Room & Board Staff Donate to Reduce Food Insecurity
As more Americans experience food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Room & Board has committed to helping those in need.
This fall, staff members were able to “Donate Time & Do Good” by turning unused vacation time into donation dollars to Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund. Feeding America is the nation’s largest charitable food assistance network. They work with 200 food banks and 60,000 food partners across the U.S. There is a Feeding America food bank or food partner in or near all of our markets.
Staff members step up to ease food insecurity
We were overwhelmed by the response. Staff members donated a total of 732 hours, resulting in more than $45,200 worth of donations. Room & Board donated funds to round up the final donation amount to $50,000.
Washington, D.C. Repair Associate Joe Frederick lives across from a high school where he sees a long line of cars every Friday. He explains why he donated unused vacation time to ease food insecurity. “People affected by COVID-19 wait to pick up food and necessities every week,” says Joe. “My wife and I realize we have been more fortunate than many, so we give what we can. Donating my vacation hours is a welcome opportunity to give more than we normally would be able to.”
Boston Design Associate Kate Parkinson agrees. “I was delighted to help in a way that allowed more giving than I am currently able to write a check for,” says Kate. “So many have lost so much and I appreciate an additional way to do my part to ease the pain.” Senior Network Engineer Mark Rodrigue adds that he was “happy to be able to give something he already had to aid the community.”
A heart-warming gift during the holiday season
During these difficult times, our hearts are warmed by our staff members who work to make our communities better and more equitable, through donation or volunteer efforts. As we say at Room & Board, we really are better together.
