There are many dedicated organizations in the District that can help people facing food insecurity get the support they need. Although not a complete list, below are several organizations and resources.
The Capital Area Food Bank is an essential provider of hunger relief in the region. They provide more than 50 million meals to communities across the DMV. The Capital Area Food Bank distributes food directly, and they also partner with over 400 food assistance providers around the area. During the shutdown, the Capital Area Food Bank is holding free pop-up markets for government employees. Visit capitalareafoodbank.org to learn more about their services and partnerships, and find help near you on their Resources page.
Catholic Charities Food Services – Offers food pantries, meal distribution, and more to combat hunger in DC. Learn about programs and services offered at catholiccharitiesdc.org/get-help/food-services/.
DC Food Project – DC Food Project launched in 2018 to provide school children and their families access to additional food during the school day and the weekends when school meals are not available to them. Since their beginnings six years ago, they have provided more than 3.5 million meals to students, families, and seniors. For more information, visit dcfoodproject.org.
DC Hunger Solutions – DC Hunger Solutions is an initiative of the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) that works to create a hunger-free community and improve the nutrition, health, economic security, and well-being of low-income District residents. dchunger.org/get-help.
DC DPR Communal Farms Programs – DPR Communal Farms are urban sites that are organized as communal production farms, managed by Department of Parks and Recreation staff and community volunteers, with the purpose of providing various ways for community members to volunteer, participate in hands-on educational opportunities, and to receive free veggies including (4) weekly veggie giveaways from May to November. Locations include Lederer Gardens on Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Edgewood Rooftop Farm on Tuesday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Powell Communal Farm Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visit dpr.dc.gov/page/communal-farms-and-partner-urban-farms to learn more.
The Family Place – Distributes donations such as non-perishable foods, adult and children’s clothing, diapers, baby products, and other items to participants. Participants and walk-ins arriving at TFP are welcome to request diapers, food, or other items as needed and as available. Visit thefamilyplacedc.org/emergency-brief-cases for more.
Friendship Place’s Georgetown EATS program – The program provides hot meals to the nearby community. They have served more than 214,000 meals and counting. Meals are served Monday through Friday from 11 am to 12 pm at 1423 Front Street NW. Visit their website here to learn more.
FindHelp.org – A platform that connects people with local social service programs, such as those for food, housing, healthcare, and financial assistance. It acts as a “social care network” by allowing users to search for free or reduced-cost help in their area by entering their ZIP code. The service is used by individuals, as well as organizations like non-profits, hospitals, and government agencies, to help people find and access necessary support. Visit findhelp.org.
Food For All DC – A volunteer-run organization that has been providing food to people facing adversity in Washington, DC since 1984, it delivers nutritious groceries to home-bound people throughout DC. Recipients include those with health issues and disabilities, as well as older adults and single parents with young children. Visit FoodForAllDC.org for more information.
Lemontree – A nonprofit that connects people facing food insecurity with local resources. Their free, confidential text message helpline has assisted over 100,000 households. Families can sign up to receive personalized support from their team of specialists. Their user-friendly Directory allows anyone to search for up-to-date information. You can access their flyers for more information here. Learn more at foodhelpline.org.
LinkUDMV.org – If you are looking for help with food, housing, medical care, or other essential services, visit LinkUDMV.org here,, which is a free tool from the DC Department of Health where you can search for programs in the DC metropolitan area and get connected to the support you need.
Matha’s Table – Martha’s Table provides food assistance through various programs in Washington, D.C., including the mobile McKenna’s Wagon for hot meals and the no-cost Martha’s Table Market for groceries at its SE and NW locations. They also offer programs like Joyful Food Markets at schools and support for families through programs like Strong Families, Strong Future DC, which provides cash assistance to new mothers. Visit https://marthastable.org/ for more.
NW Community Food – NW Community Food, located at 4225 Connecticut Avenue NW, is a volunteer-led, community-based program that grew out of the founders’ volunteer work with the Ward 3 Mutual Aid network. The mission of NW Community Food is to provide a lifeline to neighbors who are struggling. They offer high-quality fresh produce, cleaning and personal hygiene supplies, and a wide variety of nutritious and culturally diverse shelf-stable and prepared foods, at no charge ever. For more information, visit nwcommunityfood.net.
The Salvation Army – The Salvation Army offers food assistance in DC through its Emergency Assistance (EMAST) program and local Corps Community Centers. For direct food pantry services, the Sherman Avenue Corps provides free meals and food baskets, and other locations offer similar support. To get help, you can visit an Emergency Assistance center or contact the National Capital Area Command directly. Search for programs at https://wm4.salvationarmy.org/usn/cure-hunger.
SHARE Food Network – The non-profit network by Catholic Charities collaborates with the pantries to develop food packages based upon community need. The packages include protein items and fresh produce as they are available. Personal care items, such as soap and diapers, and more. Learn more at catholiccharitiesdc.org/program/food-pantries.
Thrive DC – Thrive DC provides extensive food assistance services in Washington, D.C., including hot meals, to-go meals, and a food pantry. These services are part of a larger “one-stop-shop” approach to help people in need stabilize their lives, which also includes other basic and social services. Visit https://www.thrivedc.org/category/hunger/ for more info.
Ward 3 Mutual Aid – Ward 3 Mutual Aid is one of seven ward teams associated with the DC Mutual Aid Network (DCMA), a citywide grassroots mobilization in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They operate a hotline through which anyone can request support, including free or subsidized groceries. Visit https://actionnetwork.org/groups/ward-3-mutual-aid.
The Woodley House Food Pantry – Open to the public every Tuesday afternoon, it provides food staples, fresh produce (when available), and household essentials to clients and any DC resident in need. The Food Pantry is located on Connecticut Avenue NW near the Woodley Park Metro station. Proof of D.C. residency is required. Please bring a current photo ID, such as a driver’s license, passport or REAL ID card, along with proof of residency, such as a utility bill. For more information, visit woodleyhouse.org.
YWCA National Capital Area – The YWCA National Capital Area food pantry in DC is open for groceries on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. They also provide other material needs at other times, with availability on Mondays and Fridays from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. It is a program that provides groceries, including fresh produce and meat, to those in need. Visit https://www.foodhelpline.org/resources/ywca-national-capital-area-food-pantry.
FOR SENIORS:
Iona Senior Services – Iona food programs work to eliminate senior hunger in DC by ensuring older neighbors have access to nutritious food, fresh produce, and the information they need to age well. Visit their webpage here or call the Helpline at (202) 895-9448 to learn more.
DC Aging Dining Sites – The DC Office on Aging operates 46 community dining sites in all eight wards of the city, serving daily lunch Monday through Friday, for residents 60 years of age and older. Contact the lead agency in your ward for more information by visiting dcoa.dc.gov/service/senior-service-network-lead-agencies.
FOR STUDENTS:
Families who may be impacted by the government shutdown may apply for Free and Reduced Price Meals. For more info visit dcps.dc.gov/farm.
If you have questions about any of these programs, please visit the websites above or contact our office for assistance at 202-724-8062 or fruminoffice@dccouncil.gov.
