Martha's Table facts for kids
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| Motto | Education. Food. Opportunity |
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| Founded | September 1980 |
| Purpose | Children's Education, Nutrition, Clothing |
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Key people
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Patty Stonesifer, President and CEO |
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Employees
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90 |
Martha's Table is a helpful organization in Washington, D.C. It started in 1980. It's a non-profit, meaning it doesn't make money for owners. Instead, it helps people in need. Many volunteers also give their time here.
Contents
Helping the Community Since 1980
Martha's Table began in 1980. It was a safe place for kids to get free food after school. The name "Martha's Table" comes from a person named Martha in the Bible. She was known for serving others. The founders, Veronica Maz and Father Horace McKenna, chose this name. It shows the importance of helping and serving people.
Over time, Martha's Table grew. It started offering more programs. These included early childhood education and wider food help.
Early Leaders of Martha's Table
Veronica Maz (1980–1987)
Veronica Maz was the first leader of Martha's Table. She was a professor at Georgetown University. She worked with Father Horace B. McKenna. They wanted to help people facing poverty in Washington, D.C.
Before Martha's Table, Maz and McKenna started other groups. They created S.O.M.E. (So Others Might Eat). This was a soup kitchen to feed people. They also helped start House of Ruth. Maz saw that kids in D.C. needed a safe place. So, she and McKenna founded Martha's Table in 1980. It was a haven where children could get a meal. They could also read and play there after school.
Veronica Parke (1987–2004)
After Martha's Table became stable, Veronica Maz left. Veronica Parke took over as leader. She was a long-time volunteer. Under Parke, Martha's Table helped more children. Programs grew to serve kids from 3 months to 18 years old.
New programs included daily activities for preschoolers. They focused on learning and social skills. Kids also got breakfast, lunch, and snacks. There were many learning and play activities. These happened during school, summer, and weekends. Programs for preteens and teens were also created.
Lindsey Buss (2004–2012)
Lindsey Buss became the leader in 2004. She was a lawyer and a volunteer. Buss helped more students join the Child Development Center. She also started workshops for parents. The after-school program grew too. It was split into three age groups. Kids got help with reading and math. They also received tutoring and homework help. There were even workshops to prepare for college.
Patty Stonesifer (2013–present)
In 2013, Patty Stonesifer became the new leader. She used to be the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Stonesifer wanted to help end poverty in D.C. She focused on making Martha's Table a great example. Her goal is to help kids succeed in school. She also helps parents support their children. And she works to end childhood hunger.
Since she joined, Martha's Table has added a training center for parents. They also started a mobile market. This market brings fresh food to neighborhoods. They work with the Capital Area Food Bank. Their "Joyful Food Markets" bring healthy food to schools.
Food Programs: Helping People Eat Well
McKenna's Wagon
McKenna's Wagon is a special food truck. It goes out every day of the year. It feeds people who are homeless or hungry in D.C. The wagon is named after Father Horace McKenna, a founder. Volunteers stop at different places. They serve hot meals, sandwiches, and fresh fruit. McKenna's Wagon also provides special meals on holidays. Churches, schools, and workplaces help run the wagon. They serve meals and donate food.
Martha's Markets
Since 2011, Martha's Table has worked with Target. They provide groceries to families at local schools. They partner with many schools in D.C. and Maryland. These "healthy grocery markets" let parents choose the foods their families need.
Mobile Markets
During the school year, Martha's Table helps thousands of families. They do this through their "Martha's Market" program. These markets visit schools once a month. They bring free groceries. Children and parents can fill their bags with fresh produce and other foods. They can also watch cooking shows and get healthy tips.
Martha's Table also has a weekly mobile farmer's market. It offers free and low-cost food. A bright green truck brings fresh food to neighborhoods. This helps families get healthy groceries. It's especially helpful in summer. That's when kids might not get free meals from school.
Education Programs: Learning and Growing
Early Child Education
Martha's Table has a special Child Development Center. It is a nationally recognized program. It helps children from 3 months to 3 years old. The program is bilingual, teaching in two languages. They use a "Learn through Play" approach. Kids learn about nature, reading, and science. They also learn about different cultures, art, and computers. The center also helps children with special needs. They work with other groups to make sure every child gets the right support.
Elementary to Career Program (5–13 years)
This after-school program is for younger children. It is also nationally recognized. Students get many chances to learn and grow. They receive tutoring and homework help. They also improve their reading and math skills.
The program helps elementary and middle school students in several ways:
- They help meet basic needs like food and clothing.
- They provide a safe place to learn and play.
- They help children dealing with family problems.
- They help kids grow and develop as people.
Opportunity Programs: Building Futures
Martha's Outfitters
Martha's Outfitters is a second-hand store. It started in 2004 as a place to get clothes. Today, many customers visit the store each year. They can buy clothes, shoes, and home items. These items are affordable. The money earned helps fund the education, food, and clothing programs.
Martha's Outfitters also gives free clothes. People can get free casual clothes or work attire. They can also get housewares and linens. This is for clients referred by other helpful groups in D.C.
Awards and Recognition
Martha's Table has received special recognition. Their Child Development Center is accredited by NAEYC. This means it meets high standards for early childhood education.
Charity Navigator gave Martha's Table a four-star rating in 2017. This shows it is a well-run charity.
