Press Release: Martha’s Table Extends Emergency Supports for District Residents Through April 25 Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

News Release — Martha’s Table

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 30, 2020) – Earlier this month, Martha’s Table announced a major response to the impending threat of COVID-19 in D.C. The organization proactively launched a multipronged strategy to ensure families and community members maintained access to financial resources and urgently needed groceries amid the outbreak. Through this effort Martha’s Table provided more than $300,000 in direct cash assistance to local families and distributed more than 4,000 bags of groceries in its first week.

As COVID-19 continues to impact food access, public health, and financial stability for District residents, Martha’s Table is doubling-down on its response, extending its emergency supports through Saturday, April 25, to help families and neighbors navigating the crisis. Strong families are at the heart of Martha’s Table’s mission. Each of the 137 families with children enrolled in its education programs will receive a weekly stipend of $750, grocery store gift cards supplementing $15 a day, and a supply of diapers, wipes, and formula throughout the organization’s COVID-19 response period.

With only three grocery stores for more than 160,000 residents living in Wards 7 and 8, Martha’s Table has partnered with the Capital Area Food Bank, DC Health, DC Public and Charter Schools, the Horning Brothers, the Office of the Attorney General for D.C., and the Office of Councilmember Trayon White, among others, to increase healthy grocery access in Southeast D.C. significantly. Each week, the organization plans to distribute up to 6,750 bags of groceries through public food access sites, all at no-cost to community members.

“Our communities deserve consistent support during this unprecedented time. That is why Martha’s Table will not waiver in our program offerings. Now more than ever, it is up to organizations like Martha’s Table to show up for our neighbors. With the support of community partners and local leaders, we will get through this together.” – President & CEO, Kim R. Ford 

Martha’s Table is continuing to monitor the status of COVID-19 under the guidance of DC Health and the Centers for Disease Control and will make necessary updates to its response efforts as needed.

About Martha’s Table:

Martha’s Table is a local nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to support strong children, strong families, and strong communities. Martha’s Table exists because every child, regardless of zip code, should have the opportunity to thrive. For 40 years, the organization has been working to increase access to quality education, health and wellness resources, and family supports. For more information and to get involved, please visit: https://marthastable.org/covid19/

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