Help Put Doula’s Kitchen on Wheels!

Doula’s Kitchen, founded in November 2022 by Dionne McDonald, a dedicated maternal health advocate and doula with a decade of experience in supporting the birth of nearly 400 babies and families, is on a mission to enhance its impact. This extends beyond just meal preparation and planning – it encompasses housing, mental health, and wellness care for families. Unfortunately, in January 2021, while assisting a new family, Dionne was a victim of stray gun violence, narrowly escaping a life-threatening injury. This incident forced her to pause her vital community work.

Washington, D.C., has grappled with gun violence for many years, and it’s only getting worse. Dionne has devoted her life to creating positive change for the youth of today and future generations. Addressing the issue head-on, Dionne has aligned herself with The Trigger Project, a youth-led, gun violence prevention organization, as well as Capitol Hill Boys Club, to provide meals during rallies, conferences, and weekly summer-based events with the understanding that food is healing and often children in our communities are not being nourished.

Doula’s Kitchen introduced a comfort food pop-up concept, hosting monthly events at local restaurants like Thirsty Crow, Hill Prince, Bull Bar, and 18th Street Lounge. Her signature glass noodle bowls even earned her a spot in The Washingtonian’s “50 Great Dates” in March 2023.

This July, Dionne secured the role of resident chef at Shanklin Hall, one of D.C.’s newest social club. This unique experience has allowed her to nurture her culinary talents. However, it’s a temporary position, and this is where YOUR support becomes essential!

Dionne aims to raise $25,000 to acquire a food truck and expand her community-based programs. Your support will contribute to:

• Establishing a Doula’s Kitchen food truck that serves as a Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) for D.C. teenagers, offering them valuable kitchen and food service skills;

• Providing food deliveries to birthing individuals and their families;

• Extending food deliveries to the DMV elder community;

• Supporting grieving families who have lost loved ones to gun violence with food deliveries;

• Ensuring the daily operation of a local D.C. food truck at various locations and events.

Doula’s kitchen is deeply rooted in culture and community. Your support fuels solutions that are not only meaningful but also incredibly delicious. Join us in bringing these transformative ideas to life.