The nonprofit has an opportunity to tell the story of how the organization adapted to tremendous external changes in the last year.
In March 2020, we quickly pivot our programming during the COVID-19 pandemic as schools shifted to distance learning. In a matter of days, we began book distribution to students in conjunction with instructional packet, technology, and meal pick-ups at partner schools. From mid-March 2020, which marked the beginning of the COVID-19 school closures, to the end of the 2019-20 school year we curated, ordered, and distributed a selection of over 5,000 high-interest age-appropriate books at DC-area schools. We carried on with our book groups, supporting two schools with a new selection of books to read, discuss, and share.
Last summer we partnered with FRESHFARM FoodPrints and the publisher Readers to Eaters to provide 30 DCPS students from schools in wards 7 and 8 with virtual interactive daily lessons, books and supplies. This eight-week summer program combines the best of our organizations, building equitable access to nutritious food, books, and food literacy. Through home deliveries of fresh produce, books, cooking and activity supplies, students will have the resources they need to participate in educator-led, cooking classes, author talks, book clubs, and garden and science lessons.
Thoughout the 2020-21 school year we continued with virtual programming, visiting classrooms and reaching more than 10,000 students and distributing more than 12,000 books. We also launched two new programs - Artists-in-Residence providing in-depth multi-lesson art experiences for students and New and Emerging Artists of Color, supporting new and emerging black children’s authors and illustrators with virtual live or recorded events at partnering schools and offering a stipend to support their participation.