HYATTSVILLE, Md. – Tucked away in an industrial park, a warehouse hums on a Saturday morning as volunteers prepare 10,000 turkeys and other groceries for delivery.
“SHARE Food Network is a non-emergency, food co-op concept that has been operating here in the D.C. area for 25 years,” Jaynee Acevedo, SHARE Food Network executive director, explained to WTOP. “We are one of more than 60 programs of Catholic Charities and we distribute healthy, affordable groceries to thousands of families every month.”
Around Thanksgiving, the organization sees an increase in volume as more people in the community want to make sure families are fed on the holiday.
Unlike a food pantry or other food charity organizations, customers pre-order their food through the co-op-style organization each month and it makes a bulk purchase of food each month. Between the savings of buying in bulk and having volunteers handle the vast majority of its distribution system, the SHARE Food Network says it’s able to offer high-quality food for a low price.
“SHARE’s food is essentially at a 50 percent discount,” Acevedo said. “Fresh, healthy food at a discount.”
Also unlike other food charities, there are no income qualifications to participate.
“The more people that participate, the stronger our buying power is,” Scott Lewis, Enterprises Education and Employment director, said. “We would love it if we had a million people could participate because we could actually put more food in the package.”
This month, about 14,000 families have ordered food through SHARE. In one respect, officials with the group call the program a great equalizer.
“Our goal is to serve folks who are food insecure who want to save money on their groceries,” said Acevedo. She estimates the organization has saved the community more than $50 million in 25 years.
SHARE Operations Manager Aaron Harley said the organization is not just offering a free meal. “But something to support them during the holiday months,” Harley said.
As forklifts roll through the warehouse in a maze of pallets full of turkeys, stuffing mix, potatoes and onions, it’s not just the people leaving with this deeply discounted food who are all smiles this holiday season.
“It’s a great feeling to be out here,” Lewis said with a smile. “SHARE has this wonderful spirit. Love volunteering here, love working here and the people here are just incredible.”
