You’re quite familiar with the phrase “charity begins at home,” thanks very much. It was the argument you used to get a Botkier bag last Christmas.

Hmmm. Maybe it’s time to update your understanding of the concept.

A perfect way to begin is with D.C. Central Kitchen’s Fresh Start Catering. Originally available only to other nonprofits, Fresh Start is now, lucky for you, available to everyone. The full-service catering company began as a way to give jobs to men and women who were formerly unemployed or homeless. Most employees are graduates of D.C. Central Kitchen’s culinary job training program. And the proceeds go right back into the hunger-fighting mission of the kitchen.

The extensive menu includes options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and hors d’oeuvres, with choices like artichoke and olive tarts, smoked duck canapés, mini crab cakes, Peking duck, and French pastries — perfect for an intimate dinner or a large holiday party.

So you can give back to the community while impressing your guests, and everybody gets something out of it, including you.

Now that should appeal to your sense of charity.

D.C. Central Kitchen’s Fresh Start (202-234-0707 ext. 120 or dccentralkitchen.org).