Community Building in the Washington, DC area!!

SFP Editor: What is Food and Friends and how did it start? Stacy England: Food & Friends was established in 1988 by Reverend Carla Gorrell when a friend, sick at home with AIDS, needed something to eat. In the beginning, meals were donated by local restaurants and all operations were run out of the basement of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. What began as a small effort to help one person has become 3 meals a day for more than 1,350 individuals. Through the dedication of staff, volunteers and donors, Food & Friends has provided a total of 10.5 million meals to more than 16,350 men, women and children facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses in the Washington metropolitan area.

SFP Editor: How did you become involved with Food and Friends?

Stacy England: I became involved with Food & Friends in late-2004 when I was hired as a member of the Special Events fundraising team.

SFP Editor: What types of partnerships have you developed with Food and Friends?

Stacy England: Working in the special events department, I have enjoyed getting to know the many fun, generous people who support Food & Friends’ mission by attending our special events. Some of my most rewarding partnerships are those I have developed through the TEAM Food & Friends bike ride, held each summer.

SFP Editor: How can an individual participate in Food & Friends?

Stacy England: There are a variety of ways someone can get involved in the mission of Food & Friends. Each year, over 4,500 volunteers assist in the preparing and delivering of our meals. We need volunteers both in our kitchen, and on the road, six days a week, each week of the year – even on holidays. In addition to volunteering, individuals can offer financial support by joining us as a monthly giver, attending one of our special events or simply making a gift.

SFP Editor: What is the most challenging issue facing hunger in the city?

Stacy England: We provide nutritious meals to people living with a life-challenging illnesses – free of charge. Our goal is to help them combat the side effects of their medication therefore enhancing their quality of life. The majority of our clients fall below the poverty line and because of this, they often have to decide between paying for food or their buying their medication. We make that decision simple.

SFP Editor: Is Food and Friends planning any activities for Thanksgiving this year? Stacy: Thanksgiving is a HUGE holiday for Food & Friends. Each year we package and deliver more than 3,500 FULL Thanksgiving meals, complete with turkey, pies and all the fixings. We are in need of volunteers to deliver on Thanksgiving Day, as well as help prepare for Thanksgiving in the week prior. Access Volunteer information.

In addition to our festivities on Thanksgiving, this year we have launched a new event – Slice of Life. We are selling Thanksgiving pies, baked exclusively for us by Bread & Chocolate, the proceeds from which provide many meals and nutrition counsel for our clients. You can choose from Harvest Apple, Picture Perfect Pumpkin or Bread & Chocolate’s Signature Chocolate Torte. No matter which combination you choose, you will want to be sure to also purchase a pie, or two, for our clients. Access Slice of Life information.

SFP Editor: Food & Friends was listed as one of the best places to work in Washington, DC by Washingtonian Magazine - describe your experience with the organization.

Stacy England: Coming to work everyday knowing that you are striving to make someone else’s life better is a wonderful feeling, but it is also very stressful having that type of responsibility. The staff at Food & Friends is incredibly friendly and supportive. We all watch out for each other, chip in when needed and stand by each other. It is a wonderful feeling to go to work with your friends each day.

SFP Editor: Do you have any stories to share which have impacted your life in regard to serving others?

Stacy England: In my work I don’t have many opportunities to interact with our clients, however, our Development department has the joy of going out on deliveries once a week. There is this adorable woman on our route who will always stick out in my mind. Each time you arrive at her home you have to take her food inside because she is usually in bed. She always says thank you and then gives you a peppermint candy. I just think it’s so sweet that this little old woman, who is sick at home all day and mostly confined to bed, still has that great grandma quality and makes sure that her visitors always feel welcome. She passed away a couple weeks ago after a long battle with breast cancer.

SFP Editor: What brought you to the DC area and what about the city do you find to be the most interesting?

Stacy England: I moved to DC after college. I was looking to start a career at a nonprofit, and I had a friend coming out to DC. I was lucky that I got to start my professional career at Food & Friends. I have been here for 3 years now, and I’m always impressed by how passionate everyone is. The city has a political and humane spirit that can’t be found anywhere else.

SFP Editor: What are your goals for Food and Friends for next year?

Stacy England: Our client numbers will continue to increase through 2008, as we serve more people in need of our services of clinical nutrition. My goal is to continue striving to raise the funds needed to continue making these services available free-of-charge. This coming year, Food & Friends will celebrate its 20th Anniversary; this is a wonderful time for us to look back at where we’ve come from and plan for the future.