WASHINGTON — A D.C. nonprofit known for making spirits bright around the holidays is shutting down the week of Thanksgiving, ending their decades-long tradition early due to what they call "overwhelming demand."
Bread For The City provides food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to reduce the burden of poverty on the community. Around the holiday season, they have donated gift cards, turkeys and other holiday staples to those in need.
The nonprofit plans to reopen its doors on Monday, Nov. 28.
The note posted to their website reads:
Due to Staff and Community safety concerns from the overwhelming demand for gift cards and Turkeys, Holiday Helpings 2022 has ended. This was a very difficult decision, and we are sorry for the impact on you and your family . . . There will be no Turkeys or gift cards when we re-open. Have a safe Holiday!
Last year, Bread For The City detailed that the nonprofit had transitioned away from its tradition of giving out holiday food to $75 in monetary support, "providing greater resources and more options to the community when it’s needed most," on the heels of the pandemic's onset.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is still affecting many people; turkeys and hams might not be an individual’s priority. We want to help folks out this holiday season by giving them the freedom of choice to meet their own needs,” stated George Jones in 2021; the CEO of Bread for the City. “Giving a $75 debit card could help them keep the lights on for another month or purchase a coat, keeping them or their children warm through the winter months.”
For those still on the lookout for assistance this holiday, check out the resources below:
- List of food pantries in D.C.
- Interactive map to find food near you
- These DC food organizations accept SNAP and WIC payments
- 5 tips to keep your Thanksgiving meal affordable
- Call the Capital Area Food Bank's Hunger Lifeline for emergency food help: (202) 644-9807 or e-mail hungerlifeline@capitalareafoodbank.org.