Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! There’s wonderful news to share as we begin 2024, and it comes with deep gratitude for your unwavering support throughout 2023. Your generosity has been the heartbeat of Food & Friends.
Reflecting on 2023, let me take you on a journey through the incredible moments made possible because of you:
Our team of 4,500 volunteers and over 70 staff worked their magic, responding to increased community demand by providing 1.9 million medically tailored meals and performing 63,997 successful home deliveries of hope and kindness. These meals, designed, prepared, and home-delivered with care and intentionality, speak volumes about the dedication that defines our Food & Friends community.
To meet our commitment to the neighbors we serve, we expanded our expediting area to allow us to meet increased community needs more efficiently. Plans are in motion for an even broader essential program expansion in the next three years, ensuring we can extend our reach and impact, delivering not just meals but moments of care and support across the region.
I also want to celebrate our staff for exemplifying a culture of kindness, respect, and service for neighbors with life-challenging illnesses in our community. Their excellence was recognized publicly by our wins for Best Nonprofit and Best Place to Volunteer in this year’s Washington City Paper readers’ poll.
In June, we launched our newly refreshed logo. The rainbow inside the bag honors our historic roots in the LGBT community and the colorful variety of our nutritious meals. The hand and heart symbolize three of our core values — compassion, community, and dignity.
Returning to the Marriott Marquis ballroom last year was a joyous occasion as we celebrated our 30th Anniversary of Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction, our signature event. Culinary greats showcased their talents while celebrating the impactful work you make possible. I hope you will join us on Thursday, June 13 for this year’s Chef’s Best celebration at the DC Convention Center.
Your support has been the driver of these milestones, and I’m genuinely excited about Food & Friends’ future. Together, we’re not just providing healthy, nutritious food, we’re providing medically tailored meals. We’re delivering care and friendship to those who need it most and improving the health and quality of life for our neighbors.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Food & Friends family. Wishing you a fantastic New Year filled with joy, prosperity, and continued collaboration.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH
Executive Director