Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Food Insecurity topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
DC Prep to install on‑campus pantries, weekend bags and share tables through DC Food Project partnership
Summary
DC Prep will partner with the DC Food Project to place rodent‑proof pantry cabinets at each campus stocked monthly, distribute weekend bags and formalize a share‑table program; staff will manage on‑site distribution and coordinate communications once cabinets are stocked.
DC Prep announced a partnership on Nov. 20 with the DC Food Project to provide stigma‑free, on‑campus access to shelf‑stable food and essential items for families in need.
"They are going to deliver these large rodent‑proof pantries... one in each of our campuses," Alicia said, describing monthly shipments of shelf‑stable goods and weekend bags for students and families to take home before breaks.
Alicia said the network will pilot two distribution models (discreet or community‑facing) based on each campus’s needs, and that operations staff on site will manage restocking and distribution. She described sample pantry items — Goldfish, pretzels, mac & cheese cups, oatmeal cups — and said the partner aims to include canned proteins such as tuna and canned chicken to provide more sustaining meals.
The network will also formalize a share‑table program that allows unopened food items from school meals to be made available to other students and families during the day and moved to a communal space at dismissal. Alicia said the program is intended to reduce waste and destigmatize access by encouraging staff participation and positive messaging.
Alicia said the pantry work complements existing community partners such as Martha’s Table, which runs a monthly "Joyful Food Market" and other community supports, and that DC Prep will communicate with families once cabinets are installed and stocked. Operations staff will use their existing relationships to identify families who may need support and will send mass communications and direct outreach ahead of holiday breaks.
Board members asked about logistics and responsibilities; Alicia said the DC Food Project will ship cabinets and food, while campus operations teams will handle daily management and distribution.
