By Regina Mazur
Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC/W6MA) has been unwavering in its mission for over three years: to provide Black and Brown youth and families with resources that others in DC may already possess. Thanks to the relentless efforts of Serve Your City/Ward Mutual Aid, community residents now have access to the vital assistance and resources they require.
During the bustling summer season, the Southwest Farmers’ Market participants, including both vendors and shoppers, are actively working together to ensure that our community has access to fresh produce. SYC/W6MA Southwest Pod is dedicated to not only providing canned fruits, vegetables, and grocery items to families in need but also ensuring that they have the opportunity to enjoy fresh produce. The well-being of those in need is of utmost importance, especially considering the dietary restrictions many community members face, making fresh produce an ideal choice for them.
Every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid welcomes donations of fresh produce, dairy products, and baked goods from both market shoppers and vendors. Ochoa Produce, Ashton Farms, Sandy Bottom Acres, and Panorama Baking Company have graciously contributed to this cause for the past three years, enabling SYC/W6MA to provide fresh produce to 30-60 households in need each week.
If you happen to visit the market, we encourage you to stop by the SYC/W6MA Farmers’ Market table to greet our members and learn how you can contribute. Any form of assistance is highly appreciated, whether it involves purchasing an additional item from the vendors to donate or dropping off food and supply donations from your home. Your monetary donations also play a crucial role, as they allow us to obtain fresh produce from the vendors at a discounted price when the market concludes. Every contribution you make counts, and we are grateful for your support in any way you choose to help.
MORE WAYS TO HELP:
Back to School Bash: DC’s kids deserve the equitable resources they need to be successful, joyful, and supported. That’s what we’re doing with our fourth annual #WeKeepUsSafe Back to School Bash, and your donations make it possible! We’re aiming for an even greater impact than last year, and we know we can achieve it with your #solidarityNOTcharity! Donate at: serveyourcitydc.org/b2sb.
Current Donation Needs: As the additional SNAP benefits come to an end and food costs continue to rise, the demand for food has surged, leaving our shelves nearly empty. We greatly appreciate any food donations that can help address this urgent need. Listed below are the items we require the most. You can drop off your donations at the Southwest Pod during its operating hours.
· Food: chicken, tuna, cold cereal, peanut butter, pasta sauce, rice, box milk, powder drink mix
· Cleaning: dish soap, spray disinfectant, paper towels
· Personal Hygiene: feminine products, deodorant, razors
· Household: towels, bedding, microwave, toaster, silverware
· Other: plastic grocery bags that we can use to bag produce in (gently used, no holes)
Every Saturday at 2:00 p.m., Serve Your City/Ward 6 Mutual Aid and Christ United Methodist Church 5000 Food Pantry collaborate to distribute fresh produce. Additionally, on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month at 2:00 p.m., we provide distributions of groceries, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. You can find us at 900 4th St SW.
If you need additional support with food and supplies, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-683-9962 or send an email to ward6mutualaid@gmail.com.
Interested in learning more or getting involved? We are actively seeking more volunteers to help with food distribution on Saturdays. For additional information, please contact us at swmutualaid@serveyourcitydc.org.