As part of MSE’s Social Impact Initiative, one nonprofit each month will be highlighted throughout all assets of the MSE organization – Raising the Game for these Game-Changing organizations
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) announces Martha’s Table as its December community partner. For nearly 40 years, Martha’s Table has worked to support strong children, strong families and strong communities in D.C. Those values are closely aligned with MSE’s own commitment to becoming the most important and most socially responsible enterprise in Greater Washington, uniting our community and uplifting the collective spirit of Greater Washington.
“When we launched this first-of-its-kind effort to shine a spotlight on one community game changer each month, we knew we had tremendous resources to bring to the cause and ignite our players, our fans and our staff to give back to the community that supports us day after day. In this season of giving, we can think of no greater partner than Martha’s Table. They host dozens of free, fresh food pop-ups each month at schools across D.C. – but they need community volunteers to staff the markets. Our own MSE staff volunteers monthly, and we ask our fans to join us,” said Monica Dixon, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at MSE.
In January 2015, Martha’s Table, in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and DC Health, launched “Joyful Food Markets” (JFM) to increase access to and encourage consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables east of the Anacostia River.
Martha’s Table’s JFMs are pop-up, monthly markets held in elementary schools in Wards 7 and 8 in D.C. School families are invited to shop at no-cost for a variety of beautiful high-quality produce, including bananas, apples, greens and sweet potatoes, as well as basic shelf staples such as pasta and beans.
Martha’s Table’s JFMs currently support 53 elementary schools in Wards 7 and 8. To volunteer or sign-up to adopt a market, please visit marthastable.org.
“We’re so grateful that Monumental Sports & Entertainment shares our commitment to supporting strong children, strong families, and strong communities. At Martha’s Table, we believe every child, regardless of zip code, should have the opportunity to thrive, and we look forward to working with Monumental Sports & Entertainment this December as we amplify the voices of the families and neighbors we are in service of, through this partnership.”- Kim R. Ford, President & CEO, Martha’s Table, Inc.
Monumental announced its new Social Impact program in mid-September to shine the spotlight on a different issue area and a corresponding nonprofit partner working to better the community by lifting up and amplifying the stories of these impactful organizations, regularly engaging through service and grants, and making ongoing business investments that strengthen the region with a centralized focus on kids, heroes and community.
Monthly themes include youth sports, military, season of giving, child health, community service, black history month, mentorship, first responders, sustainability, education, women’s health and equality and inclusion. In addition to a monthly grant to each organization made by the MSE Foundation, Monumental employees, players and fans will get involved in new ways by engaging in volunteer activities, amplifying key messages, learning about community change agents and through time and monetary donations. Fans will have multiple opportunities monthly, both in game and online, to show their support of each partner.
To learn more about Monumental’s new social impact program, click here.
About Monumental Sports & Entertainment:
Monumental Sports & Entertainment is America’s leading sports and entertainment family. Our people, players, teams and events bring excitement and joy to millions. We invest and innovate to consistently raise the game so we can deliver extraordinary experiences that will inspire and unite our community, our fans and our people. To learn more, please visit www.monumentalsports.com.
About Martha’s Table:
Martha’s Table believes every child, regardless of zip code, should have the opportunity to thrive and realize their greatest success in life. For nearly 40 years in the District of Columbia, Martha’s Table has supported strong children, strong families and strong communities by increasing access to high-quality education, nutritious food and family supports. Through their Joyful Food Markets, Martha’s Table brings the joy of healthy eating to more than 50 elementary schools in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 every month. In 2018, Martha’s Table moved its headquarters to Ward 8, where they are expanding their programming and investing deeply in the surrounding neighborhood. Martha’s Table has long relied on the generosity and passion of volunteers—and they have more than 18,000 volunteer opportunities to fill each year. For more information on how to get involved and support Martha’s Table’s vision for a more equitable D.C., visit: www.marthastable.org.