Family Level Challenges

Despite being a wealthy area, large economic disparities persist in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Individuals from low-income groups—such as minorities, immigrants, refugees, victims of domestic violence, returning citizens, and veterans—are faced with challenges in rising out of poverty and feeding their families.

Both in this region and nationwide, Hispanics and African Americans face the highest rates of unemployment, nearly double that of White and Asian workers. As a result, 30-37% of black children and 18-21% of Hispanic children live in poor families in Virginia and the District of Columbia. 

Unemployment and Food Insecurity in the DC Area

We tackle obstacles to employment faced via a comprehensive program that includes:

2.7%



Unemployment

Rate

32%


Residents are

"food insecure"

*Data extracted from: Capital Area Food Bank 2023 Report and The Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023.

Unemployment

Low-income individuals face challenges in finding and keeping good jobs. These good jobs are ones that can provide them with a stable source of income, opportunities for growth and advancement, and a safe environment in which to work. 
Financial, emotional, and other forms of instability pose challenges to consistently attending work and keeping a job
Low English language skills make it difficult to complete job applications, follow instructions at work, and communicate with coworkers and supervisors.
Though many educational programs exist, their high cost is a barrier to low-income individuals hoping to learn skills and obtain certifications
Many available jobs do not offer any opportunities for growth, impeding individuals from developing more advanced skills, accessing better wages and benefits, and experiencing a sense of fulfillment

Malnutrition

Inability to access good jobs produces many negative side effects. Low-income families often battle hunger and malnutrition due to their financial instability.


This challenge is further deepened by the fact that many individuals have unhealthy eating habits, which they also pass onto their children. Moreover, healthier food options oftentimes is unaffordable for these families because of its high price tag.

Simultaneous Challenges In The Food Service Industry

In 2025, the food industry faces a shortfall of approximately 200,000 line cooks, as reported by the New York Times. This scarcity is exacerbated by employees lacking necessary certifications and soft skills, hindering their ability to secure and retain jobs. Barriers to employment include language barriers, insufficient access to affordable training, challenges in transferring certifications obtained abroad, and limited awareness of local resources.