Back to School at DC Food Project
School is back in session, and so is DC Food Project! This fall, we are relaunching our programs across more than 110 schools in Washington, DC and Northern Virginia, our largest reach to date.
As Hunger Action Month comes to a close, we are reminded why our mission is so critical. Every student deserves to focus on their education and future, rather than worrying about their next meal.
Unfortunately, the need in our community continues to grow. Over the past year, nearly 10,000 DC residents lost access to SNAP benefits, impacting thousands of local families. In the District alone, approximately 28,380 children (1 in 5) face hunger.
Schools are feeling the pressure firsthand and reaching out for support every day. Whether they need to expand existing programs or launch new ones, securing the funding to sustain our current work and say "yes" to new requests is our highest priority this school year.
Our 5 Millionth Meal
This June, DC Food Project reached a milestone we could have only dreamed of when we started: serving our 5 millionth meal to families in Washington, DC.
What began in 2018 as a small, local effort has grown into a community movement supporting over 110 schools and moving tens of thousands of pounds of food into school communities every single month.
To our incredible donors, volunteers, school staff, business partners, and neighbors—thank you. This accomplishment belongs to all of us. While we are immensely proud of this benchmark, we know our work is far from finished, and we remain dedicated to ensuring no student goes hungry.
Our Programs Are Growing
Without consistent access to nutritious food, students struggle to concentrate, learn, and thrive in the classroom. DC Food Project works to bridge this critical gap so every child has what they need to succeed.
Our Share Table Program—now operating in more than 55 schools across D.C. and Northern Virginia continues to combat hunger while tackling food waste. By giving students a place to leave unopened, uneaten food from breakfast and lunch for peers who want extra helpings, a single school can rescue up to 35+ pounds of food daily. This fall, we’re thrilled to expand this effort to 10 additional schools, feeding more kids and keeping good food out of landfills.
Meanwhile, our Pantry Program now supports over 80 schools across all eight D.C. Wards and Arlington, VA. By delivering more than 20,000 pounds of food during our monthly distributions, we provide students and their families with reliable access to food and essential personal care items. Thanks to generous support from the Graham Fund, we have been able to launch thirteen new school pantries to expand that critical support even further.
It Takes a Community
None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers. Each school year, more than 300 individuals, organizations, and community partners roll up their sleeves to help us sort, pack, transport, and distribute thousands of pounds of food.
Whether you’re joining on your own, bringing your family, or organizing a team corporate day of service, we’d love to have you on board!
Get involved! Volunteer at one of our upcoming 2026–27 Distribution Days:
November 13 • December 11 • February 5 • March 12 • June 4
Help Us Meet the Need
The students and families we serve are among the most vulnerable in our community. Food is a fundamental necessity, but sharing it is also how we care for one another—and remind our neighbors that they never have to stand alone.
As our reach expands, so do the costs of keeping pantries stocked and monthly distributions running. Every dollar you donate puts nourishing food directly into the hands of those who need it most. Donate today!
Together, you helped us deliver five million meals. With your continued support, we can reach the next five million. Thank you for being an essential part of the DC Food Project community!
With gratitude,
Alysa, Katie, Krista & Lucie
The DC Food Project Team