Washington For Justice, Latinos For Washington organizing meal kit giveaway

WASHINGTON — Nonprofit organizations Washington For Justice and Latinos For Washington are teaming up to host their third annual holiday meal kit giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Mills Seed Building (212 N. Iowa Ave.) in Washington.

“We started the holiday meal kit giveaway in 2020 when a lot of families were out of work and were really struggling,” said Bethany Glinsmann, associate director of Washington For Justice and a Latinos For Washington board member. “Since then, life hasn’t gotten easier, and there’s still a lot of food insecurity in our community. This event is a way for our community to come together and support our neighbors who could use a little extra help.”

Volunteers said they aimed to stave off hunger at an especially food-focused time of year.

“Social justice includes food justice,” WFJ Member Dan Henderson said. “No one should go hungry in the United States of America. We look out for and care for one another.”

The meal kits are entirely funded by community donations, with the cost of each estimated at $45 this year.

“The past two years we’ve given away around 60 to 65 meal kits, and each one feeds a family of four adults,” said Sonia Leyva, President of Latinos for Washington. “We’re hoping to raise enough money to increase that number this year. Our goal is to raise $3,000 this year. All of those funds will be used to purchase items from our local grocery stores.”

Similar to prior years, the groups will offer both a traditional American meal kit and a Latino meal kit. Both will be given away on a first come, first served basis, starting at 11 a.m. on Dec. 10.

Those interested in donating to fund the meal kits can do so electronically via Venmo or PayPal under the username @WashingtonForJustice, or deliver cash or checks (payable to Washington For Justice) to 110 W. Main Street, #4 in Washington. Donations are due by Dec. 7.

For additional information, contact WashingtonForJustice@gmail.com