The Bigger Picture

The Foundation’s hope is to provide tools and assistance to all who are facing challenging times. Some of the key focus areas will be food and food education, nutrition and eating healthy, addressing hunger, and utilizing the “creative arts” to develop new careers and life skills.

MSDE (Maryland State Department of Education) will partner with the University of Maryland SNAP-Ed, Prince George’s Community College Wellness, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Department, Chef Shawn Lightfoot, Ama Hamma, and the Farm to School Coordinator at the Maryland Department of Agriculture to build capacity in Maryland to develop high-quality standardized recipes that appeal to Maryland students. The strategic partnerships will include focused training with LEA and school-based nutrition staff, resource development, and technical assistance to implement the required steps in the Recipe Standardization Process.
At least four recipes will be developed, incorporating local agricultural products.

Milestones

+ The Beacon Center Culinary Academy: Partnership with Artdrenaline Catering LLC

+ In Partnership with - Like A Mug Cafe and Bakery: Coffee with a Conscience

+ Beyond The Food (2018)

+ Scholarship Fundraising Campaign 2024

+ Fresh For Vets (Fresh Vegetable Meal Plan)

+ 2024 Meal Pack Challenge

+ Community Engagement & Resource Hub

+ The Buddy Bag Program

+ Kidz Biz Enterprise Food As Art

+ Study Abroad 2024 "Change the way you see the world"

+ Sweet Potato Festival DC

+ Book Bash

Workshops

"Artscape DC"

Artscape DC is a term coined by the foundation that will create a series of workshops indoors and out, where art and creative activities can be used as an outlet for underlying issues that plague the artistic expressions and creativity in one's community.

"DCN2PERSPECTIVES" Speaking Series

“is an unfiltered conversation from two different perspectives about what’s happening in the underserved and marginalized communities of Washington, DC.” To date, we have created episodes that have discussed infant mortality, covid in our communities, the music of jazz, and, small business development. Episodes run for about 40 minutes and can be heard on multiple streaming platforms.

Community Engagement

The Key to consistency is continuous engagement. Meaningful engagement eliminates distractions. When positive outlets are created, one can devote energy and focus to produce successful outcomes.

+ 1100 Owens Road, Oxon Hill MD

+ Columbia Heights Village

+ St Paul's Senior Living Art Room Installation

+ US Veterans Workforce Development Support

+ Saint Paul's Fresh Vegetable Garden Installation

+ The Buddy Bag Program

+ Kidz Biz Entrepreneurship Registry

+ Careers in the "Arts"

Programs

+ Business & Professional Etiquette

+ Food Pantry & Clothing Closet

+ Volunteer Program