Giving back has always been part of La Tienda's story, with a focus on providing relief to those who are hungry. From helping retire school lunch debt in our community, to supporting food banks in Spain and the international relief efforts of World Central Kitchen, we're proud to share the generosity and community spirit we love about Spain.
Camino de Santiago Study Abroad Scholarship Endowment
In partnership with The College of William & Mary, we fund an annual scholarship for W&M students to participate in Camino de Santiago pilgrimages and other study abroad opportunities in Spain. Along with two anonymous donors, the endowment is a combined gift of $100,000.
The Camino de Santiago is an ancient network of hiking trails across Spain. Originally a religious pilgrimage route, it is now a popular hiking trail for those seeking physical and spiritual renewal regardless of faith. Members of our family have walked and studied on the Camino over the years, and it has deepened our love of Spain's history and culture.
School Lunch Debt Retired
In 2026, we partnered closely with Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools to eliminate all outstanding school lunch debt across the district. This initiative ensured that no student was denied a meal due to financial hardship, removing the stigma often associated with unpaid lunch balances.
By retiring this debt, we helped guarantee that every child could focus on learning, growth and well-being - rather than hunger. This effort is part of our broader mission to combat food insecurity at the local level and support families facing economic challenges. We believe that access to nutritious food is a basic right, and we are proud to stand with our community in making that a reality for students and their families.
Campaign for Spain: Over $100,000 Raised for Spanish Food Banks
During the 2008 economic crisis, Spain faced record unemployment rates exceeding 25%, leaving countless families struggling to put food on the table. In response, we launched the La Tienda Campaign for Spain, a global fundraising effort that raised over $100,000 to provide essential food supplies to those in need.
All funds raised were donated directly to the Spanish Federation of Food Banks (FESBAL), supporting food banks across the country and ensuring aid reached the most vulnerable communities. Spain has always been more than a source of inspiration for us, it is a second home. This campaign was our way of standing in solidarity with the people and traditions that have shaped who we are. We are deeply grateful to our customers whose generosity made this meaningful impact possible.
Collaboration with World Central Kitchen
We are honored to support World Central Kitchen, the global nonprofit founded by renowned chef José Andrés, which delivers fresh meals to communities affected by crises around the world.
Since 2018, with the continued support of our customers, we have raised more than $100,000 to assist World Central Kitchen’s relief efforts. These contributions have helped provide meals during major global emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Beyond emergency feeding, World Central Kitchen empowers local communities through education, training and long-term food solutions—values that strongly align with our own commitment to dignity, resilience and hope.
Supporting the Local Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino
As part of our commitment to the local community, La Tienda is happy to donate food for special events hosted by the Southeast Virginia Chapter of American Pilgrims on the Camino. Spain and its food traditions are at the heart of what we do, and we're glad to share that passion with a community that carries the spirit of the Camino de Santiago forward.
