Let's Get Political, Political
Okay, we're not actually here to get political. But this government shutdown is affecting everything and we had to get your attention quickly.
Mother Nature keeps foiling our plans to give back during this shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. We're frustrated, but it's hard to actually be mad since we freakin' love winter. See here.
So, since all of this snow is making it really tough for us to move forward with our litter cleanup at the C&O Canal, we're pausing this effort indefinitely (or at least until we can access the ground and perhaps set up some regular Spring-Fall cleanups). As outdoor enthusiasts and stewards of the environment, we're always going to look for ways that we can give back in and to nature. But, there are other major ways people can help local communities during the shutdown, and it involves something we all love and need: food.
Whether you're a federal employee or government contractor missing money in your back account, or you're someone who receives benefits from one of the nation's nutrition programs, your pantries and stomachs are feeling the impact of the shutdown.
So many Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck, and some research shows that families are one single unexpected expense from not being able to feed their families. That means that some of the 800,000 affected workers (including folks working without pay, like TSA and FBI agents & members of the Coast Guard who protect us paddlers out on the water) may be facing tough decisions between paying rent or utility bills and buying groceries. Some even may be looking to food banks for the first time to help them get through this tough spot.
But the shutdown's immense ripple effect in the community extends to those who are already receiving critical assistance through programs like SNAP, which provide families with a monthly grocery benefit. With federal agencies shut down, there's a question looming over how long benefits will remain available for millions of American, especially the longer this shutdown lasts.
In light of all of this uncertainty for our local communities and neighbors, here are some ways to help out in the DC area.
#FoodForFeds
Celebrity chef and humanitarian Jose Andres recently launched his #FoodForFeds initiative through his nonprofit World Central Kitchen. This pop-up cafe near the U.S. Naval Memorial in D.C.. provides free hot meals and to-go items for federal employees and their families. On its first day open volunteers served 4,400 meals - double what they expected. Current volunteer slots are full, but we’re anxious to fill two spots when more are posted.
Capital Area Food Bank
The city’s largest food aid group has set up pop-up grocery distribution spots throughout town for government employees and federal contractors. They’re offering this in addition to their regular work helping the 700,000 low-income DC area residents at risk of hunger. You can explore ways to volunteer here.
These are just two ways locals can get help. There are countless other organizations lending assistance and we encourage you to do a quick search for your nearest food bank to find out how you can help. Whether its a physical donation, or a donation or time or money, there are a ton of ways to give back.
