Compiling a master list

We have reached a stage in our process of selecting an organization to fund where we are compiling an initial list of direct-service non-profits working with food-related issues in the D.C. area. From this initial list, we will choose the ten most promising organizations and gather detailed information for each, using a uniform information sheet that we developed as a group. From there we will choose 3 organizations that pairs of Gather and Give members will visit and report back to the group on. By June, we will select one group and donate our pooled contributions, which hopefully will have grown thanks to a fund raising party and further contributions from members and friends.

To help us compile our initial list of non-profits, we are enlisting the help of individuals knowledgable about food-security issues and non-profit organizations in the D.C. area. Below is a copy of the template we are using to request recommendations from the experts.

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Dear PERSONX,
I am writing to ask your help in identifying outstanding direct service non-profits working to address issues of food security, nutrition and health, and/or sustainable food production in the Washington D.C. area.

I am a member of Gather and Give, a "giving circle" composed of young adults in the Washington D.C. area with a common interest in improving their community through collective philanthropy. Following a model developed by other giving circles, we pool our individual charitable contributions and participate in a collaborative and educational process of selecting a non-profit organization to support with our group donation. By pooling donations, we aim to enhance the impact of our individual charitable gifts, and expect to donate at least $2,000 in June. (For more details, check out our blog: http://www.gatherandgivedc.blogspot.com/)

The selection process involves learning more about pertinent social issues, narrowing the issue focus of the group, and researching local non-profit organizations working to address the selected issues.

Could you please help us by identifying 5-10 excellent non-profits working on the issues of food security, nutrition and health, and/or sustainable food production in the D.C. area? Do you or your organization have a master list of such organizations, or a similar list that we could use?

Many thanks in advance for your help.

Sincerely,
XGaG