Ubuntu

What is Ubuntu? Ubuntu is an ancient African word meaning 'humanity to others'. It also means 'I am what I am because of who we all are". Words like compassion, respect, human dignity, collective unity, co-operation, compassion, and kindness encompass the spirit of Ubuntu. Remember the weeks after 9/11 when we all were kinder to one another as we realized how connected we all were? We held doors open, we offered a hug or a cup of coffee to a stranger, we pitched-in and and lifted each other up. That was ubuntu.  We have experienced so much love and support from our community. We are who we are because of who all of you are. We are grateful and giving back. Below we have highlighted some of our efforts.

Here's a little video of Nelson Mandela explaining what ubuntu is:

MICROGREENS PROJECT

Chances are you've heard of Alli Sosna, but do you know about her latest project; MicroGreens? We are proud to be supporters of and donors to this fantastic endeavor. MicroGreens is an innovative program that works with schools and non-profit organizations to educate children and low-income families about how to make healthy choices based on a government-supplemented food budget.  Through one class a week over an eight week period, MicroGreens fellows showcase how anyone can shop for, prepare, and enjoy a healthy meal based on a total budget of $3.50 per meal per family of four.

Each lesson enhances student’s culinary expertise and gives them the confidence to use those skills at home, from food preparation like roasting and braising to kitchen safety and team work.

MicroGreens is the project of D.C.-based “chef-preneur” Alli Sosna.  With experience cooking in some of the most reputable restaurants in Washington, D.C. as well as cooking on Food Network’s CHOPPED,  and feeding over 1 million healthy meals to kids in D.C.’s school children, Chef Alli now partners with a number of national groups to promote healthy food in schools – including the Partnership for a Healthier America – and has participated in conversations around food access and health at the White House on multiple occasions.

DC Central Kitchen - Truck Farm

We try to share with you all of the great things that DC Central Kitchen is up to, so many of you are familiar with DCCK from our frequent Facebook and Twitter mentions of their latest projects. DCCK  is partnering with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) People's Garden on the Truck Farm project. This mini-garden in the back of a 2002 Dodge Ram pick-up is planted with fresh produce and used as a tool to teach urban youth about healthy eating. We are delighted to have been able to support DCCK to help get the truck farm underway. If you ever see it rolling through the streets of DC, look for our logo on the side! 

The Truck Farm visits youth agencies and schools and conduct hour-long, interactive lessons at each site. In addition, the Truck Farm is at the USDA farmers market every Friday as well as summer youth events hosted by the People's Garden and Capital Area Food Bank. Check them out!

CAPITOL AREA FOOD BANK -

We are  honored to be chosen to  partner with the Capitol Area Food Bank  to bring our fresh produce boxes to 210 individuals living in Ward 8, where there are few or no options for healthy, fresh food. Every week we help CAFB achieve their  grant-funded goal of supplying 15 million pounds( yes folks, that MILLION) of fresh produce to their  partner agencies.  

Arcadia Center For Sustainable Foods - The Food Bus

Through their Kickstarter campaign, we were able to contribute  to Arcadia's Mobile Market Project:  a visible, direct way to navigate urban spaces and bring fairly priced, fresh produce and dairy to communities with the greatest need. The Mobile Market – a retrofitted, biodiesel-powered school bus – will hit the road making weekly market stops, delivering healthy food to local neighborhoods, and working with schools to provide nutritional education. We are committed to making these goods both affordable and accessible, and will offer as many payment options as possible.  Look for our logo on the back of the big yellow bus next summer!

Surfer's Healing

Photo credit - WAMU

Every summer from June through September on both coasts,  Surfer's Healing brings families living with autism and pro-surfers from all over the world together through their surf camps for a day of  confidence-building, skill-building fun in the water.  One of the events is held in Ocean City, Maryland and we are honored to donate a load of fresh fruit for the campers each year. Some of you may know that Zeke (and our son, Enzo) is a passionate surfer and he's hoping to get to be able to help out in the water soon too. If you know of a family that might be interested in attending the camp, registration begins in April.

                                                                       Zeke and Enzo 

Martha's Table -holiday season 2010

We love collaborating with all of you to give back! In 2010 we ran a month-long food drive and for the month of December we offered to collect any non-perishable food items that you wanted to leave out for pick on your delivery day and you all were rock stars about it! We collected mountains of canned goods, pasta, peanut butter and more on behalf of Martha's Table and delivered all of it at the end of the month.  We were also happy to donate organic turkeys and green beans to their annual Community Dinner along with an envelope containing a little "holiday cheer" to go towards their outstanding efforts in the community.

Gift Giving that Gives Back

With our Gift Giving that Gives back program not only are you giving a wonderful gift to someone you know, but you'll be giving a gift to someone you probably don't know but who will greatly appreciate it. Washington's Green Grocer is donating 25% of all gift card/gift jar sales to DC Central Kitchen this holiday season.