WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, Nov. 14, 2025) — In a powerful show of unity and generosity, WHUR 96.3FM’s 47th Annual Food2Feed Radiothon — held Thursday at the radio station’s studios on the campus of Howard University — once again brought the DMV together, raising more than $61,000 and a truckload of non-perishable food to help feed families experiencing hardship this holiday season.

This year’s success carries special meaning. With many residents grappling with the ongoing government shutdown and the pause in SNAP benefits, the need for food assistance has surged. An estimated 1.5 million people across the region face food insecurity, and with every dollar providing two meals, the radiothon’s impact will be felt in households across the DMV.

Outside the studios, Howard University Alternative Spring Break (HUASB) volunteers gathered to urge people to donate. 

“The reason why it means so much to me is because I did HUASB last semester, and I actually have HUASB family,” said volunteer and sophomore political science and criminology double major Carmelo Moore. “HUASB gave so much to me, I want to keep serving them.”

“With everything going on with the shutdown and people with SNAP benefits being cut off, I just felt compelled to come out here to do something take away a lot of the stress from these families,” said sophomore biology major Trinity Harris. “In the past I did have family members who struggled with food insecurity. My father struggled with food insecurity, a lot of my close family benefit from EBT and SNAP; to know that they’re going hungry this Thanksgiving was very heavy to me, and I knew I needed to do something.”

All funds raised will be shared equally between the Capital Area Food Bank and Shabach Ministries, two trusted partners committed to ensuring families have consistent access to nutritious food during the holidays and beyond.

The radiothon’s success was made possible by the incredible generosity of our listeners and the unwavering support of our community partners. WHUR extends special thanks to our corporate sponsors — Truist Bank and Macy’s Downtown Metro Center — whose commitment to serving the community helped drive this year’s achievement. WHUR also acknowledges the invaluable volunteer service of Howard University students, who showed up with energy, dedication, and compassion throughout the event.

“Our listeners and sponsors continue to show up with heart,” said Sean Plater, WHUR General Manager. “At a time when so many in our community are facing real uncertainty, the generosity displayed during Food2Feed reminds us of the power we have to lift each other up. We are grateful for every supporter, every sponsor, and every student volunteer who stood with us to make a meaningful difference.”

Photos and additional reporting by Skyla Jeremiah '26 for the Howard University Office of University Communications.