Hope: Martha's Table: Washington D.C.

In their own words, "Martha’s Table deals with the immediate effects of poverty and finds long-term solutions with education, nutrition and family support services." 

Martha's Table runs a grocery program, where hundreds of people can access free, healthy food; a daycare and afterschool program, which provides early childhood education and nutrition; and a clothing operation and skills-building workshops to help families back on their feet. 

Among the following photos are ones of the Monthly Market, where hundreds of families can pick up free groceries. On this particular day, in late September 2013, over 450 people received groceries in under 3 hours. More than one volunteer remarked that it was the largest group served in almost 20 years, ostensibly because it was held at the end of the month, when money is usually tight. What this tells us is that times are getting tougher for many, not easier.