Media Contact:
Jay Shepley, Communications Director
(202) 269-6875
jshepley@foodandfriends.org
Assistance for Furloughed Federal Employees
Written by: Abigail Seiler
Food & Friends Providing Free Meals to Qualifying Furloughed Federal Employees and their Families
WASHINGTON, DC (January 21, 2019)—Food & Friends, a Washington, D.C. area nonprofit, is encouraging furloughed federal employees grappling with a serious illness, either personally or in their family, to seek out food assistance. Food & Friends provides food not just for the individual living with illness, but also to caregivers and dependents. Additionally, the organization is reaching out to its current clients, and households affected by the furlough can receive additional meals if needed.
“When a serious illness strikes, families often face the difficult decision of choosing whether to buy food or afford medication and treatments. Food & Friends’ mission is to eliminate that barrier to health and is especially committed to those families experiencing financial hardship during the shutdown,” said Carrie Stoltzfus, Executive Director. “The furlough is placing additional strain on many families in our area and we are here to help.”
Any furloughed federal employee battling a serious illness, or caring for a loved one with a serious illness, may qualify for free meal or grocery deliveries. Food & Friends’ services are available to anyone who has a medical need for nutritionally tailored meals, as well as their caregivers and dependents.
Qualifying illnesses include, but are not limited to, cancer, HIV/AIDS, poorly-controlled diabetes, or receiving hospice care. Nutritionally tailored meals are delivered six days a week and groceries are available on a bi-weekly basis. Visit www.foodandfriends.org/refer to learn more about Food & Friends’ services and how to qualify.
About Food & Friends:
Established in 1988, Food & Friends is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides nutritionally tailored, home-delivered meals to people facing a life-challenging health crisis. We believe that food heals and each year we prepare and deliver nearly 1 million meals across 5,300 square miles to our neighbors – at no charge. We help our clients feel better, connect them to their community and empower them to manage their illnesses. Over 8,500 volunteers touch more than 3,000 lives annually. At Food & Friends, we are driven by a simple premise: anyone can get sick and everyone can help.