United Way NCA and Nando’s PERi-PERi deliver food donations to area food pantries in honor of Mandela Day

United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) and Nando’s PERi-PERi are joining forces to deliver non-perishable food donations throughout the region, including Jackson’s Pantry at the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF) in Bethesda, MD. The event is part of a nationwide effort by Nando’s to mark Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of service by encouraging customers to “Raid Your Pantry” and trade non-perishable items for a free meal which was held on Mandela Day, July 18.

Tuesday, July 22, 12:30 pm Jackson’s Pantry at NCCF 6301 Greentree Road, Bethesda

Food insecurity remains high across the National Capital Region. This donation drop-off symbolizes solidarity and service in the spirit of Nelson Mandela. Jackson’s Pantry, founded in honor of a 12-year-old Bullis School student who died unexpectedly in 2023, is one of four food assistance programs receiving food donations from Nando’s. The others include: Loudoun Hunger Relief, Latin American Youth Center, and Falls Church Community Service Council.

Jackson’s Pantry provides an opportunity to capture a visual, community-focused moment that will spotlight food insecurity in our region and the local partnerships collaborating, including:

• Volunteers unloading boxes of food donations collected from Nando’s PERi-PERi at its 7 locations in Montgomery and Prince George’s County.
• Jackson’s Pantry shelves being stocked.
• Interview opportunities with Jasmine Johnson, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, United Way NCA, Dahlia Levin, Director of Development & External Relations, NCCF, and Tami Buckner, Jackson Buckner’s Mother.

About United Way of the National Capital Area United Way of the National Capital Area works to improve the health, education, and economic opportunity of every person in the National Capital community. United Way NCA creates measurable impact in the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, Montgomery, and Prince George’s Counties for more than 45 years. In 2020, United Way NCA was among 384 organizations across the United States to receive a generous transformational investment from novelist and venture philanthropist, MacKenzie Scott. For more information about United Way of the National Capital Area, visit UnitedWayNCA.org.

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