our history

Double Trellis Food Initiative began in response to the needs of Philadelphians in the landmark summer and fall of 2020. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, following protests against the police murders of George Floyd and Walter Wallace Jr, the co-founders of what would become Double Trellis Food Initiative (DTFI) met with the community leaders for the encampments of houseless individuals in Philadelphia. What began as an effort to provide food for protestors pivoted to serving the unhoused in the areas where demonstrations were taking place. DTFI founder, Matthew Stebbins, who is a culinary industry professional and has past lived experience with housing insecurity and substance abuse disorder, began working with community members to organize preparation and service of fresh, dignified meals and grocery distribution.

Since its founding in June 2020, Double Trellis has continued its mission to provide dignity and comfort through food to the most vulnerable Philadelphians. We primarily have focused on the houseless and housing insecure population, and we collaborate regularly with anti-poverty organizations across 14 zip codes in Philadelphia (19102, 19103, 19104, 19119, 19125, 19128, 19134, 19138, 19139, 19143, 19144, 19147, 19148, and 19150.)