$32,000 Grant Supports the Capital Area Food Bank’s Family Market Program for the Second Year
The Community Foundation secured $32,000 to fully support the Capital Area Food Bank’s (CAFB) Family Market Program at Manassas Park High School for the second year in a row – through the 2016-2017 school year. This grant provides 6,000 pounds of food to over 200 families in need throughout the year.The Capital Area Food Bank uses a “Family Market” model that combines food distribution with parent-teacher interactions and nutrition education. Each family takes between 28 and 30 pounds of non-perishable food and fresh produce during a market day. The families learn how to prepare their food through cooking demonstrations, receive recipe cards in Spanish and English, and are exposed to new and innovative technologies like a green smoothie bike to make the experience fun for all ages. This year, the Capital Area Food Bank is offering pop-up grocery stores to educate families on how to navigate stores and read nutritional labels.
The donors supporting this grant include the J.O.Y. Charitable Fund and the Nolan Family Fund – donor advised funds at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia – and QMT Windchimes, a member of the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce committed to supporting the local community. “Jamie [Baisden] and I are honored to be able to help meet the needs of families in Manassas Park through our business QMT Windchimes,” said Patty Baisden, QMT’s Vice President.
“We are so thankful to the Community Foundation and the Manassas Community for coming together to make this project possible,” said Cecelia Vergaretti of the Capital Area Food Bank. “Another year of support means that we can make healthy eating accessible and fun for the whole Manassas Park school system.”
Dr. Bruce McDade, Superintendent of Manassas Park Schools, said, “To receive a grant of this magnitude is overwhelming and so very much appreciated. We are pleased to be part of a wonderful, caring team who works hard to assist the families in our community.”
By partnering with donors and aligning donors’ philanthropic goals with local organizations needing assistance, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia strives to make personal connections such as these to grow local philanthropy. “Supporting the Capital Area Food Bank’s Manassas Family Market for the second year in a row will truly help meet the most critical needs in Manassas Park for many families,” says Eileen Ellsworth, President of the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia.
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