Feeding Our Neighbors with Breadcoins

Founding Farmers & Distillers partners with a growing nonprofit in the District working to feed our neighbors. Breadcoin helps distribute food tokens, or “Breadcoins,” to people who are hungry or food-insecure that can be used like cash at local restaurants, bakeries, markets, food trucks, and more.

“We were excited when Breadcoin came to us, because there is so much more need in our communities than we can provide on our own,” said Hillary Miko, Director of Catering & Special Events. “It is a great way to connect with the people who want to help in our communities, with the people who need help in our communities, and make it easy for people to come in and have a good meal.”

Participating in this innovative program has a twofold impact. Breadcoin helps ensure that all our neighbors are fed and treated with dignity and our neighborhood restaurants, still recovering from the pandemic, are also supported.

In 2021, Breadcoin had a record-breaking year: 35,407 Breadcoins were redeemed at participating vendors. They expect that number to double in 2022.

How Breadcoin Works?

Neighborhood nonprofits hand out Breadcoins to people who are hungry or food-insecure, whether chronically or situationally. Those coins can be used at Founding Farmers & Distillers (and other vendors) to buy food to enjoy in the restaurant and to go. Because Breadcoins can be used just like cash or a gift certificate, all Breadcoin customers can be treated the same as any paying customer, without stigma. Each coin has a current value of $2.50. At the end of every month, Founding Farmers & Distillers cashes out the Breadcoins for full value.

Who Funds Breadcoin?

Members fund the Breadcoin economy each month. Every $25 dollar donation equals 10 Breadcoins. Anyone can become a member and donate to fund the coins.

Who Distributes Breadcoins?

Vetted and trusted nonprofits hand out Breadcoins to those in need, along with information about where they can be used.

To learn more about Breadcoin, check out their website.