Before we dive into this week’s updates, I want to update you about an important change of plans regarding the Ward 5 Holiday Party. Unfortunately, due to challenges with the venue, we have decided to cancel the event. For now, we plan to hold a celebration in the new year where we can gather, celebrate all of our work together over the past year, and recognize the winners of the Ward 5 Awards. The awards nomination form remains open and the deadline will be extended. Stay tuned for more information on a new date and time for our winter celebration!
And truly, there is much to celebrate.
Just yesterday, I was thrilled to join community leaders and neighbors at the grand opening of a new Aldi grocery store at Art Place in Fort Totten. This Aldi is many years in the making, dating back almost two decades ago when the Cafritz Foundation first made assurances to neighbors that development of the area would include a grocery store. They delivered with this 24,000 square foot Aldi, now the largest Aldi in DC. Increasing food access is key to building healthy communities. You may remember that the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Report shows that more than 1 in 3 District households are food insecure. By offering fresh, nutritious, affordable groceries within walking distance of thousands of neighbors, we hope to help reverse the trend of increasing food insecurity and make sure every Washingtonian can put food on the table.
