Support Real Food for Kids & Win Big During National Nutrition Month!
Access to nourishing meals remains a significant challenge for many students and their families across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Rising food costs, cuts to food assistance programs, and ongoing economic uncertainty are making it even more difficult. Programs like Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families are more essential than ever.
This National Nutrition Month, Real Food for Kids launched a four-week online raffle series to help provide fresh, local produce to children and families in need across the DMV. We’ve partnered with some of the most respected names in the hospitality industry to offer four exclusive prize packages featuring one-of-a-kind culinary and luxury experiences you won’t want to miss!
A new prize will be revealed each week, and at the end of the four weeks, a winner will be randomly selected for each prize. Donors are encouraged to participate in all four raffles—the more you give, the greater your chances of winning while making a meaningful impact on local families. Be sure to check back each week to see the latest prize announcement.
Join us in the fight against food and nutrition insecurity and help create a healthier future for our neighbors.
ENTER TO WIN EXCLUSIVE PRIZE PACKAGES FROM ONE OF OUR GENEROUS PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
Select the Amount to Donate
$10 Donation = 10 Entries & Feed a Child Healthy Nourishing Meals for a weekend
$100 Donation = 125 Entries & Feed a Child Healthy Nourishing Meals for two weeks
$250 Donation = 375 Entries & Feed a Food-Insecure Family of 4 for two weeks
$500 Donation = 1,000 Entries & Feed a Family of 4 for a month
One winner will be randomly drawn two days after the entry period closes for each of the 4 prize packages.
EACH WEEK, A NEW PRIZE PACKAGE WILL BE REVEALED.
The last day to enter all four prize packages is April 6, 2025, at midnight.
EXCLUSIVE PRIZE PACKAGES
Win an Exclusive Dining Experience for 8 with Award-Winning Chef Kevin Tien
Support Real Food for Kids during National Nutrition Month and enter to win an unforgettable evening at Moon Rabbit, the critically acclaimed restaurant from celebrity chef Kevin Tien—a 2024 James Beard Foundation Finalist (his fifth nomination), 2023 RAMW Chef of the Year, Food & Wine Best New Chef (2018), and Esquire’s Best Restaurant of the Year (2021).
You and seven guests will dine at Chef Tien’s favorite table, indulging in a specially curated six-to-eight-course meal showcasing his modern take on traditional Asian cuisine—a seamless blend of bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and precise culinary techniques.
How to Enter
- Donate as little as $10 for a chance to win this once-in-a-lifetime experience!
- The more you give, the greater your chances of winning—all while supporting a vital cause.
- All proceeds directly fund Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families, providing fresh, local produce to children and families in need across the DMV.
Rules & Details
- The dinner date will be mutually agreed upon between the chef and the winner, based on availability.
- Offer expires March 31, 2026.
- Alcohol is not included but will be available for purchase separately.
Don’t miss your chance to experience an extraordinary evening of food, hospitality, and storytelling with one of DC’s most celebrated chefs!
Enter Today! The entry deadline is April 6, 2025, at midnight—enter as often as you’d like.
About Chef Kevin Tien
Chef Kevin Tien (a 2024 James Beard Foundation Finalist- his 5th nomination, 2023 RAMW Chef of the Year, Food and Wine Best New Chef 2018, Esquire’s Best Restaurant of the Year 2021) is the Executive Chef/Owner of nationally celebrated Moon Rabbit.
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana- much of his modern Vietnamese cuisine is influenced by his experiences there, as well as the diverse regional dishes from Vietnam.
Tien’s menu strives to move the culture forward while maintaining and preserving integrity and tradition by reinventing recipes that have been passed down through multiple generations.
Moon Rabbit is a personal journey and exploration of Chef Kevin’s journey as a first-generation Vietnamese chef. His modern cooking philosophy and dishes are non-traditional Vietnamese cuisine but feature the true essence of Vietnamese flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef Tien is a passionate advocate for social change. He co-founded Chefs Stopping AAPI Hate, a nationwide initiative to combat racism and support AAPI communities. A longtime supporter of Real Food for Kids, he serves as an Industry Advisor on the Real Food for Kids Advisory Board, has served as a Culinary Challenge judge (2022, 2024), headlining chef (2023), and Event Chair (2025), and has helped raise over hundred of thousands of dollars to fight food insecurity.
A Year of Dining at Silver.
Support Real Food for Kids during National Nutrition Month and enter to win a FREE year of Silver —valued at $1,560! The best part…You can use it at any Silver Brands restaurant location, including Silver Diner, Silver New American Brasserie, and Silver Social.
Donate as little as $10 for a chance to win—every dollar helps provide fresh, local produce to children and families in need. The more you give, the more chances you have to win.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Silver Brands restaurants have something for everyone, updated for today’s lifestyle. At Silver Diner, Chef Ype’s Flexitarian™ menu offers healthier, customizable options to fit any diet or craving. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan/plant-based, gluten-free, or a traditional diner lover, there’s plenty to choose from — from hearty classics to lighter, nutrient-packed dishes. Over at Silver Social, you’ll find elevated small plates and craft cocktails in a stylish setting, while Silver New American Brasserie offers a modern take on comfort food with locally sourced ingredients.
FRESH & LOCAL INGREDIENTS
Across all Silver Brands restaurants, the focus is on the highest quality products from more than 15 local farms. Chef Ype carefully crafts dishes that highlight the best of what’s in season, ensuring every bite is fresh and full of flavor.
WHAT YOU WANT, HOW YOU WANT IT
With locations throughout the DMV, Silver Brands makes it easy to enjoy your favorites. Whether dining in at Silver Diner, gathering with friends at Silver Social, or enjoying a relaxed meal at Silver New American Brasserie, there’s a spot for every occasion. Visit Silver Brands for more.
Prize Terms & Conditions
The Silver for a Year prize will be awarded as a gift card valued at $1,560. No substitutions are permitted. The prize is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be redeemed for cash. Silver Brands is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen gift cards and will not provide replacements. The card may be redeemed at any Silver Diner, Silver New American Brasserie, or Silver Social location.
100% of your donation will support Real Food for Kids’ mission to end hunger and ensure nutrition security for children and families in the DMV.
Enter today, and often! The deadline to enter is April 6, 2025, at midnight EST.
About Silver Brands
Silver Brands operates a family of restaurants throughout Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and New Jersey, offering high-quality, healthier dining options rooted in integrity, quality, and putting people first. The first Silver Diner was established in 1989 in Rockville, Maryland, and has since grown to own and operate 21 locations, serving over three million customers annually across the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. Chef Ype Von Hengst leads Silver Brands’ culinary vision, incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients wherever possible, including hormone-free, all-natural meats, milk free of bovine growth hormone, and free-range chickens. Silver Diner’s innovative Flexitarian™ menu caters to a variety of dietary needs, offering vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-calorie options. The Silver Diner Kids Menu has received national recognition for its healthy options and has been part of a Tufts University research study on encouraging healthy eating in children.In addition to Silver Diner, Silver Brands includes Silver Social, an elevated cocktail bar and small plates concept, and Silver New American Brasserie, a modern take on classic comfort food with locally sourced ingredients.
Since 2017, Silver Brands has partnered with Real Food for Kids to support the annual Culinary Challenge, a student-based competition focused on creating healthier meals in schools. Since 2020, Silver Brands has helped provide over 150,000 nourishing meals to food-insecure school children and their families and raised over $300,000 in individual donations. Learn more at SilverBrands.com.
The Ultimate Ritz-Carlton Weekend Escape for Two
Indulge in a luxurious two-night weekend stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., while helping to provide fresh, local produce to students and their families in need across the DMV.
Win This Luxurious Prize Package
Donate as little as $10 for a chance to win a premium getaway at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., which includes:
- Two-night weekend Stay in a one-bedroom suite ($1,200 value)
- Dinner for Two at The Saga – Experience upscale, inventive Spanish cuisine with a Latin culinary twist from renowned Chef Enrique Limardo. Enjoy flavorful dishes and a curated beverage program for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. ( $300 value)
- Breakfast in Bed – Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast delivered to your suite ($140 value)
- 50-Minute Couples Massage at Equinox, D.C. Sports Club – Relax and rejuvenate with a side-by-side massage ($220 value)
Prize Terms and Conditions:
- This prize is redeemable exclusively at The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, D.C., located at 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20037.
- Hotel stay reservations and individual components of the prize package are subject to availability at the time of booking.
Enter today and often! The more you donate, the more chances you have to win. The deadline to enter is April 6, 2025, at midnight EST.
A Seat (or Two) at the Critic’s Table.
Guess who’s coming to dinner with Tom Sietsema? YOU.
Tom Sietsema has been reviewing DMV restaurants with The Washington Post since 2000. In celebration of his 25th year, he’s once again teaming up with Real Food for Kids for a great cause and offering a truly special treat.
Here’s your chance to experience dining like an insider.
Donate as little as $10 to Real Food for Kids’ Chefs Feeding Families for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Tom Sietsema, The Washington Post’s food critic and James Beard Award winner, on an anonymous visit to a DMV hot spot or one of the District’s best dining destinations.
The winner and a guest will enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes dining experience alongside one of the most influential voices in the food world — all while supporting an important cause and enjoying dinner at a DMV hotspot.
100% of your donation will support Real Food for Kids’ mission.
Your contribution will help end hunger and ensure nutrition security for children and families in the DMV by providing free local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to food-insecure students and families.
Enter today and often! The more you donate, the more chances you have to win. The deadline to enter is April 6, 2025, at midnight EST.
Rules & Details
Prize Terms and Conditions:
- Must be 21 years or older to enter and participate.
- Restaurant owners, chefs, restaurant managers, agents, and those working in advertising, fulfillment, marketing, or promotion for the restaurant and hospitality industry are not eligible to participate or be a guest.
- The dinner offer is redeemable until December 31, 2025.
- The date of the dinner will be coordinated directly between Tom Sietsema and the winner.
About Tom Sietsema
Tom Sietsema has been The Washington Post’s food critic since 2000. Prior to that, he worked for Microsoft Corp., where he launched sidewalk.com; the Seattle Post-Intelligencer; the San Francisco Chronicle; and the Milwaukee Journal. A graduate of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, he has also written for Food & Wine, Gourmet, GQ, Travel & Leisure, and other national publications.
In 2016, he received a James Beard Foundation Award for his series identifying and rating the “10 Best Food Cities in America” the previous year.
Tom Sietsema is an avid supporter of Real Food for Kids and served as a judge for the 2020 Real Food for Kids: Culinary Challenge — an annual event where middle and high school students compete to craft healthy and delicious menu items that meet USDA guidelines and adhere to strict per-meal budgets. Since 2020, he has also generously donated “A Seat at the Critic’s Table” experiences annually to help raise funds to provide nourishing meals and local farm-fresh fruits and vegetables to food-insecure students and their families in the DMV.
About National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” Food is a connecting factor for many of us. Food connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends. Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, who made it and where the ingredients were sourced. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors influence the foods we eat, the foods we eat also affect our health.
Launched at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families is a joint initiative with Washington, D.C. metro-area chefs, and restaurants to provide nutrition security to school children and their families. Chefs Feeding Families, which began as an emergency response, providing hot, prepared meals to alleviate the unprecedented demand for food assistance, also employed restaurant workers who might otherwise have been furloughed. The program has evolved to a more sustainable model, providing meal kits and produce bags that include recipes, easy preparation tips, and nutrition information in a bilingual format to inform and inspire the preparation of nourishing meals at home.
Since March 2020, Real Food for Kids: Chefs Feeding Families has provided over 475,000 nourishing, plant-forward meals to school children and their families facing food insecurity.