5 Ways to Give Back

For some, it is the season for giving, but at the new Martha’s Table in Anacostia they have been giving all year-round. Almost 40 years old, Martha’s Table recently opened the SE location and have been making a major impact on the neighborhood. We sat down with Jermarkus Booker, Donor Engagement Manager at Martha’s Table, to discuss ways to give back to our community. A Houston native that has found a home in Washington, D.C., he’s attended Dillard University and recently received his master’s degree from University of District of Columbia in nonprofit management. He breaks down 5 ways you can make an impact in your community via Martha’s Table.

1. Volunteer at local food access programs

Food access programs like Joyful Food Markets are in over 53 elementary schools around the district monthly, and hope to be in every elementary school in ward 7 & 8 by the end of 2019. They feed over 15,000 families a month, which helps reduce food bills and provides healthy alternatives in a food desert. Another program is McKenna’s Wagon, which distributes food daily at 3 “hot points” around DC. Locations include 2nd & H St. NW (near Walmart), McPherson Square, and The World Bank building. They feed about 60-70 people every night. You can also volunteer with DC Central Kitchen, Mariam’s Kitchen, Food for Friends, and more.

2. Donate clothes to Martha’s Outfitters

Donate gently worn clothing items to the outfitter store from 10am – 4pm, Monday to Saturday. There are two locations; 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave SE & 2114 14th St NW. Also don’t forget to come shop at the outfitters. You may find a suit to get you through your next job interview.

3. Donate food: PB&J Sandwiches & Trail Mix

Host a sandwich/trail mix making party. It could be a great pre-game activity. Martha’s Table has received up to 5,000 sandwiches at a time which go to McKenna’s Wagon to feed families nutritious meals daily. Feel free to pre-game all night long.

4. Donate monetarily to support food access programs

You can donate as little as 25 cents to support programs and operations for nonprofit organizations. The more you can donate the better. Also, feel free to look up the public tax information on the non-profit to see how your money is being spent.

5. Share on social media

Encourage your peers to support a cause. As a group you can spend a few hours each month making a difference. We have to do our part to make the narrative of giving back more popular. You may be the one to influence a person to get involved.