DC Food Project launched in 2018 to provide school children and their families access to additional food resources during the school day and over the weekends when school meals are not available to them. Our non-profit fills what we refer to as "the gap" -- what happens when lunch is over? This gap has an impact on tens of thousands of students, with 1 in 5 children struggling with hunger in DC alone.
Our mission is simple: To eliminate child hunger by increasing access to nutritious food through unique partnerships with schools.
Our team is on track to deliver our 5 millionth meal this school year, supporting over 3,000 pre-identified students across Washington, D.C. With more than 50 school pantries and our Share Table program in place, our initiatives complement school meals, ensure families have reliable access to nutritious food, and strengthen communities through volunteer engagement and partnerships. Thanks to these ongoing collaborations, we continue to distribute over 20,000 pounds of snacks and quick meals each month to students most in need.
“DC Food Project is the ultimate community-based solution here in DC. Since the very worst of the pandemic, DC Central Kitchen has partnered with this incredible parent-led organization to meet the evolving needs of children and families during a sustained hunger crisis in our nation’s capital. DC Food Project is empowering schools to fight food insecurity and food waste and we are proud to count them as a core, strategic partner in our ongoing efforts. Collaborating with their innovative School Pantry and Share Table programs allows us to extend our hunger-fighting reach beyond the cafeterias, afterschool programs, and youth summer programs we serve, comprehensively meeting children’s needs throughout the day and the year. Supporting DC Food Project makes a direct, immediate impact on kids’ abilities to eat, learn, and thrive.”
OUR PROGRAMS
Pantry Program
The Pantry Program is a place where students have discreet access to food, age-appropriate toiletries and other household items throughout the school day.
Pantry + Program
The Pantry+ Program helps fill gaps during school breaks by delivering non-perishable foods, hot meals, and more to families most in need.
Share Table Program
The Share Table Program is a simple and efficient way to give kids access to additional food while significantly reducing food waste in cafeterias.
OUR SCHOOLS
DC Food Project is proud to partner with schools in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and beyond. Working alongside school staff and administrators, we implement programs designed to meet each school community’s unique needs. Click below to learn more and see the full list of schools we support.
WHAT OUR TEAM HAS BEEN UP TO
Catch up on our latest impact!
Browse our quarterly newsletters to see how DC Food Project is supporting students and strengthening communities.
If you need any additional information or would like to reach us directly please email us at dcfoodproject@gmail.com.