Food Access

Explore our Food Access page to find meal sites, organizations, and local businesses across the District providing food and essential resources to students, families, and seniors—making it easier to get the help you need.

If you are a school administrator, teacher, parent, organization or someone who knows a family who may need help accessing food, please forward them this information or reach out to us at dcfoodproject@gmail.com.

Government Shutdown 2025:

SNAP & WIC Update
Important information for DC residents CLICK HERE FOR UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Access to healthy food is essential, and we encourage you to make use of all available resources. If you need help applying or have questions about your benefits, contact:

Emergency Food Services
Bread for the City – Bread for the City is opening its doors to furloughed workers, impacted federal contractors, and affected families, for the duration of the shutdown. They have expanded their food pantry criteria requirements to include these individuals.  

Capital Area Food Bank – Capital Area Food Bank is operating five food box pickup locations around the D.C. region for federal employees. Clients must simply show their government I.D. 

D.C. Central Kitchen will be extending their 50 percent discount for any impacted federal workers or contractors visiting any of their three D.C. Central Kitchen Café locations. Please see the list of café locations and hours below: 

  • Marianne’s by D.C. Central Kitchen 
    Address: 901 G Street NW (ground floor of the MLK Jr. Memorial Library) 
    Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday: closed 

  • D.C. Central Kitchen Café at the Klein Center for Jobs and Justice 
    Address: 2121 First Street SW 
    Hours: Monday: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 7 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

  • DC Central Kitchen Cafe at THEARC 
    Address: 1901 Mississippi Ave SE — THEARC East Building 
    Hours: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Freshfarm is expanding food access services at all FRESHFARM markets in DC, Maryland, and Virginia and DC partner locations, for a limited time only. This means that:

All SNAP users can present their SNAP/EBT card at the FRESHFARM market information tent to receive $30 in FreshMatch to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables, regardless of whether they are able to access funds on their EBT card. 

Furloughed or unpaid federal workers can present their federal ID at the market information tent to receive the same $30 FreshMatch benefit for fruits and vegetables. 

Market Shares will also be offered at no cost to enrolled customers who normally pay with SNAP through November 22nd, the last day of the Market Share season. 

Food and Drink Deals During Shutdown- https://www.washingtonian.com/2025/10/01/food-and-drink-deals-in-the-dc-area-during-the-shutdown/

Food & Friends Home Delivery- all Wards. Must apply for assistance. Provides home delivered meals and groceries plus medical nutrition counseling to people with serious illnesses (HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, or receiving hospice care) that limit their ability to get food for themselves. Must be referred by a healthcare provider. (202-269-2277)

Some Others Might Eat (SOME)  - https://some.org/get-help/ 

Ward 4 Mutual Aid- We are in a time of widespread financial hardship which will soon increase due to a pause in benefits like SNAP. We are running a temporary program matching neighbors who are able to provide some form of grocery assistance with those in need who live close by and make an arrangement with to receive support. learn more and sign up HERE. 

World Central Kitchen - Meal distribution sites https://wck.org/news/distro-sites-govt-shutdown

Additional Resources during Shutdown:

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SNAP
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits should still go out to households in October with no disruption.  D.C. Hunger Solutions will continue to provide SNAP application assistance.  See link above.

WIC
DC WIC participants are encouraged to use their WIC benefits as issued on their eWIC card and attend their scheduled WIC appointments. Residents and partners are encouraged to continue to schedule appointments to apply and refer families to WIC. 

Access to WIC Services 

  • Access to WIC services is not impacted at this time. Current DC WIC participants and those wanting to apply for DC WIC should contact DC WIC clinics directly for WIC services.  

  • Access to WIC-Authorized Stores and Farmers’ Markets 

Access to WIC-authorized stores is not impacted at this time. DC WIC participants should use their WIC benefits as issued on their eWIC card at any DC WIC-authorized store. A list of DC WIC-authorized stores is available. Access to WIC-authorized farmers’ markets is not impacted. DC WIC participants should use their WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program benefits as issued on their eWIC card at any DC WIC-authorized farmers’ market. A list of DC WIC-authorized farmers’ markets can be found here. 

Please call 202-442-9397 or email info.wic@dc.gov for any concerns about changes to DC WIC  operations.  

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DC Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit:

These Toolkits are designed to help people find information and resources on food assistance programs in the District, including how to qualify and apply. These Toolkits do not have a complete list of food resources or eligibility criteria. More information can be found by calling the phone number or visiting the listed websites under each program.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES:

We recommend contacting the locations below to see ask if they are still providing food and household items. You can also click on the name of the organization (if in blue) to be directed their organizations website.

Ward 1:

  • Martha’s Table NW at The Maycroft- 1474 Columbia Rd, NW. Monday-Friday 11am-4pm (202-329-6608) Need a photo ID or a clear copy of a photo ID.

  • Powell Communal Farm - DPR Veggie Giveaway - 3149 16th Street NW - Thursdays until 11/20, 11 am - 12 pm. Register HERE

  • Salvation Army Sherman Ave - 3335 Sherman Ave NW Mondays, Fridays, Tuesdays (3rd of the month), Thursday (last of the month) 9:30 am - 12:00 pm , ID required for food give away, no ID required for lunch. (202) 829-0100

  • Spanish Catholic Center- 1618 Monroe St, NW. Wednesdays 9am-12pm (202-939-2400)

  • The Table Church / Loaves and Fishes-525 Newton St NW - Saturdays (1st and 3rd) on November 8 and 22 from 8:00 am – until food gone (202-618-6050)

  • Ward 1 Mutual Aid Arroz y Frijoles - 14th and Monroe St NW - Saturdays 12 pm - 2 pm or when they run out of food, Pantry items and limited fresh produce available.

  • Ward 1 Mutual Aid Woodner Community Food Distribution - Woodner Apartment Complex, Fridays 4-6 pm, Distribution is In front of the building or in the lobby depending on weather. Distributing prepared food, packaged food and often other goods.

  • YWCA National Capital Area Food Pantry- 2303 14th St, NW, Suite 100. Tuesdays - Thursdays from 12 pm to 3pm , by appt, by appt only; do not ask for ID; pls bring reusable bag; and if you have Capital Area Food Bank card please bring it, if not they provide one. (202) 626-0700)

Ward 2:

  • Food For All- 1810 16th St, NW. Friday and Saturday Food Delivery 9-12pm. Call for delivery (240-505-4607)

  • Food Not Bombs free hot vegan meal distribution - McPherson Square on Saturdays 2:30 PM, info found on their instagram page

  • Greater New Hope Baptist Church- 816 8th St, NW distribution on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 11:30am-2:30pm (202-842-1036)

  • Martha’s Table McKenna’s Wagon- 19th and H Street NW 365 days/year from 6pm – 6:25pm for no-cost hot meals

  • Miriam's Kitchen- 2401 Virginia Ave  NW, Providing scratch meals only outside Monday - Friday: Breakfast 7-8 am and Dinner: 4:30-5:30 pm (202-452-8926)

  • National City Christian Church- 5 Thomas Circle, NW. Wednesdays 10am-1pm - November 5, 12, 19 and 26 , no ID required (202-232-0323)

Ward 3:

  • NW Community Food - 4340 Connecticut Ave NW , Sundays from 1- 3 pm,

  • St. Paul’s Lutheran Church - 4900 Connecticut Ave, NW distribution on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 10am-12pm (202-966-5489)

  • Woodley House Food Pantry - located at the rear of 2711 Connecticut Ave. NW, open every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. November 4, 11, 18 and 25 - 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.

Ward 4:

  • Church of Christ- 4801 16th St NW distribution 2nd Tuesday of the month at 10am (202-882-4711)

  • Emory Beacon of Light, Inc.- 6100 Georgia Ave, NW. Tuesdays ONLY 10am-2pm (202-829-5732)

  • Family Food Market at DC Bilingual -33 Riggs Rd NE - First Fridays from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm - Contact uejimofor@dcbilingual.org with any questions.

  • Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church - 4606 16th St NW Thursdays from 10:00 am–1:00 pm

  • Food Pantry at Emory Beacon of Light -6100 Georgia Ave NW, Saturday (2nd and 4th of the month) starting at 9am, First come, first served.

  • Food Pantry at Gethsemane Baptist Church - 5119 4th St NW, Mondays from 10:30 am–12:30 pm. only serve 15 people, people line up starting early; will ask for name, address, phone # but do not ask for photo ID (202-882-5836)

  • Food Giveaway at Sixth Presbyterian Church (“Sixth Church Food Closet”) - 5413 16th St NW on Wednesdays (2nd and 4th of month) from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. first come, first served; bring photo ID. (202-723-5377)

  • Monthly Distribution by Ward 4 Mutual Aid at the Brightwood Park United Methodist Church-744 Jefferson St NW Saturdays once a month (Nov 15) , at 10:00 AM. Ward 4 Mutual Aid provides food, diapers, and supplies to neighbors in Ward 4 — no questions asked, no strings attached. No registration required.

  • Sixth Church Food Closet- 5413 16th St, NW distribution the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm (202-723-5377)

  • Southern Rock Baptist Church- 750 Buchanan St, NW distribution on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 10am until food is gone, please bring own bags (202-722-9690)

Ward 5:

  • Cac Wosem- 24th Place- 2130 24th Place, NE distribution on the 2nd Saturday of the month from 1pm-3pm (240-643-6445)

  • Central Union Mission- 3194 Bladensburg Rd, NE Suite B. Distributions Thursday from 10 am - 12 pm. Closed on Thanksgiving. Current photo ID required(202-745-7118)

  • Crowder Owens Calvary Food Bank- 1608 Rhode Island Ave, NE. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, Tues & Wed 12 –2 pm; Thurs 5 - 7 pm . Current US issued gov ID required (202-529-2299)

  • Damien Ministries Food Pantry- 2200 Rhode Island Ave, NE. Tuesdays 10am-4pm

  • Edgewood Rooftop Farm - DPR Veggie Giveaway - 301 Franklin Street NE , Tuesdays until 11/25 - 11 am - 12 pm. Register HERE

  • Emergency Food & Clothing Drop-In at Community Family Life Services (CFLS)- 4860 Fort Totten Dr NE Tuesdays from 10-12pm. Food Bag Distribution: Every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and at other times with a referral notice. Clothing and Toiletries Distribution: Open to women every Thursday and Friday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm; Open and to men on Fridays from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Clients can also receive clothing Monday through Friday through referral or appointment.

  • First Baptist Church Of Deanwood -1008 45th Street, NE. Saturdays 9am-11am

  • Langston Terrace Community Resident Council, Inc.- 667 24Th St, NE. Fridays by appointment, please call (202-717-3771)

  • MSB Outreach House- 2411 Lawrence St, NE. Fridays 10am-2pm (202-635-7559)

  • North Capitol Collaborative, Inc.- 2000 Rhode Island Ave, NE distribution on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 10 am - 2 pm. Must be DC resident, can show gov ID or utlility bill . (202-588-1800)

  • Plenty to Eat- 2315 18th Place, NE. Tuesday & Wednesday 1pm-4pm

  • Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church- 1029 Monroe St, NE distribution on the 3rd and 4th Wednesday of each month 9am-12pm. Have some bigger bulk items for parents. No ID required. (202-526-8822)

  • St. George Episcopal Church - 160 U Street NW, WDC 20001 - Breakfast served- Oct 25, Nov 8 from 9:00am to 10:00am. They are committed to providing a hot nutritious breakfast to anyone in need. Dine-in service and carry out bags available. More info here.

  • So Others Might Eat (SOME) HOT MEALS- 71 O St, NW. Monday-Sunday 7:30–8:30am and 11:30am–12:30pm . no requirements, open to all. (202-797-8806)

  • So Others Might Eat (SOME) Emergency food pantry - To the right of 75 Hanover Place NW (behind 60 O. St.) Wednesdays and Fridays - 9 - 11 am , no ID required; adults can receive pantry items once per week. (202.797.8806)

  • Women's Collective- 1818 New York Ave, NE. Tuesday & Thursday by appointment ONLY (202-483-7003)

  • YMCA Calomiris Program Center- 1906 Allison St, NE. Monday - Friday 12pm-1pm

Ward 6:

Ward 7:

  • Capital Area Food Bank- 1701 Gales Street, NE (Ward 7) – Rosedale Recreation Center, Saturdays (1st of month), 9:00 AM, Stop by the registration desk and fill out the registration form, which asks for contact information, household information, and a few other details. Bring a container like a reusable bag or rolling cart.

  • Church of The Atonement- 5073 East Capitol St, SE distribution on the 4th Saturday of the month 11am-2pm (202-582-4200)

  • Church Of The Incarnation, St. Vincent De Paul Society- 880 Eastern Ave  NE distribution on the 3rd Friday of the month 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

  • DC Dream Center- 2909 Pennsylvania Ave SE. Meals on Fridays & Saturdays 12pm-2pm. Available for all, government ID required of person picking up for someone else (limit of one extra).

  • Dupont Park SDA Church- 3942 Alabama Ave SE. Tuesdays & the third Thursday of the month and by appointment. 9:30 am to 11:30 am, and by appointment (202-583-7416)

  • Eastbrooke Apartments (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 323 62nd St, NE. Two meals may be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 11:45 am to 12:15 pm

  • East Washington Heights Baptist- 2220 Branch Ave, SE distribution every 3rd Thursday of the month. Call for details (202-582-4811)

  • Edgewood Baptist Church 3408 C Street, SE distribution on the 3rd Thursday of the month 10am-2pm (202-398-4856)

  • Food & Clothing Center Of Ward 7- 4929 Ames St NE, Monday- Thursday 10:30 am to 2 pm by appointment, call to schedule (202-398-5504)

  • Good Success Christian Church- 4401 Sheriff Rd, NE. Tuesdays 9-12pm, Bring ID. (301-661-5442)

  • Greater Deliverance Christian Center- 441 Chaplin St, SE distribution on the 2nd Tuesday of the month 11am. (202-575-5979)

  • Lederer Farm- DPR Veggie Giveaway - 4801 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, Wednesdays and Saturdays until 11/26, Wednesday 11 - 12, Saturday 10-11. Register HERE

  • Love is Action Food Pantry- 500 56th St, NE distribution on the 2nd Wednesday from 5–8 pm; Last Saturday 9 am–12 pm , bring ID (240-463-8035)

  • Milestone Senior Residences (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 3605 Minnesota Ave, SE. Two meals may be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 9:30 am to 10 am

  • New Macedonia Baptist Church- 4115 Alabama Ave, SE distribution Wednesdays beginning at 8:30am until food is gone. Name, # of people and where you live. ID not required. (202-583-5555)

  • Park Naylor Community Center (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 2547 Naylor Rd, SE. Two meals may be picke. d up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm

  • RCCG New Wine Assembly- 1515 Kenilworth Ave, NE. Saturdays (2nd and last of each month) 10am-12pm. Bring ID, must be DC resident, Capital Area Food Bank requirements. (202-398-2211)

  • Saint Benedict The Moor- 320 21st St, NE distribution is on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9:30am-12pm, bring ID ( 202-397-3895 main church number & 202-397-1616 hotline for food and retail assistance)

  • Triangle View Senior Residence (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 3600 B St, SE. Two meals may be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 10:15 am to 10:45 am

  • Urban Outreach- 5343 C St, SE. Saturdays starting at 10am. (202-575-4867)

Ward 8:

  • Allen Chapel AME Church - 498 Alabama Ave SE, Fridays from 9:30 am–12 pm. no requirements ((202) 889-7296)

  • ARC Farm - 1901 Mississippi Ave SE Fridays from 12 - 2 pm

  • Assumption Outreach- 220 Highview Place, SE. Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-12pm Ward 8 residents can pick up food with valid DC ID as proof of residency. (202-561-5941)

  • Bread for the City SE Free Farmers Market- 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE. Friday (2nd and 4th of the month) from 9 - 11 am. ID, proof of household size and other requirements listed here: https://breadforthecity.org/food/ (202-587-0530)

  • Bread for the City SE Food Pantry - 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE Monday - Thursday from 9 am - 3 pm. ID, proof of household size and other requirements listed here: https://breadforthecity.org/food/

  • Brighter Day Ministries Food Pantry- 2525 12th Pl SE Thursdays, from 11 am - 3 pm; 4 - 6:30 pm. Must bc a DC resident. Call for details (202- 889- 3660)

  • Congress Park Community Center (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 1345 Savannah St, SE. Two meals may be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 3:30 pm to 4 pm

  • Covenant Baptist Food Pantry- 3845 South Capitol St, SW. Thursdays 930am-1230pm (202-704-4728)

  • Frederick Douglas Community Center (DC Central Kitchen: Grab & Go Lunches for Seniors & Adults)- 1427 Cedar St, SE. Two meals may be picked up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm

  • Jehovah Jireh Community Development- 100 Joilet St, SW. Mondays at 10am (301-442-7253)

  • Martha’s Outfitters- 2204 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE 10am-4pm, Monday-Friday for adult clothing & children's clothing via a monthly credit. Sign up required in-person with ID. Call directly at (202) 885-9613

  • Martha’s Table at The Commons- 2375 Elvans Rd, SE. Monday-Friday 11am-4pm Need a photo ID or a clear copy of a photo ID.

  • Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church- 1600 Morris Rd, SE. Thursdays 1030am-1230pm (202-678-4999)

  • So What Else DC Mobile Food Distribution -at the following locations on Wednesdays, Note that schedule make change week to week
    Wingate – 10:30am – 118 Galveston St SW
    Highland Additions – 11:15am – 3828 9th St SE
    Highland Dwellings – 12:00pm – 662 Atlantic St SE
    Washington View – 12:45pm – 2629 Douglas Rd SE
    One Care DC – 1:30pm – 2501 Marion Barry Ave SE

  • Temple of Praise- 700 Southern Ave, SE. Saturdays 1pm-4pm (202-491-1787)

OTHER MEAL SITES:

  • Aunt Bertha - Aunt Bertha’s network connects people seeking help by zip code. (Shelters, Food Services and more)

  • Capital Area Food Bank- Pop-Up Food Distribution for people impacted by cuts to federal jobs and funding. April 5- June 30th. Thursdays 5-7pm, Saturdays 9-11am until supplies last. More information can be found HERE

  • Common Good City Farm (300 V St NW, Ward 1) provides a list of community Resources on their website

  • DC Department of Aging and Community Living - Seniors who need assistance or information should call 202-724-5626. The center will do a quick assessment and connect you with the appropriate service. Additional information can also be found on their website.

  • DC Dream Center (Ward 7) - Is a center for community where the needs of people in our city, especially youth, are met. More information can be found on their website.

  • Feed the Family Pantry- 4225 Connecticut Ave, NW (Ward 3). Offering fresh produce and cleaning supplies Sundays 1pm-4pm. Located in the back of the old Walgreens across from the UDC/Van Ness Metro. Enter the Alley off Veazey Terrace NW

  • Food For All DC- Serving those who are homebound, including elderly citizens, handicapped, or single mothers with young children. Social Worker referral preferred. Call (240) 505-4607.

  • GET HELP HOTLINE- Residents that are homebound because of COVID-19 can request support from the District for food and other essential items call 1-888-349-8323.

  • Grocery Plus Program - Grocery Plus offers monthly pantry essentials for residents 60+ to help you maximize your food and nutrition. Monthly boxes are distributed at select sites throughout DC. Check out their flyer HERE.

  • Martha’s Table - In partnership with DC Health and Capital Area Food Bank, will support DCPS and DCPCS to ensure bags of groceries (fruits, veggies, pantry items) are available at designated food access sites.

  • Meals on Wheels- They are committed to supporting their senior neighbors to live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes.

  • Spanish Catholic Center Food Pantry  (Mt. Pleasant) 1618 Monroe St., NW (Ward 1) - call (202) 939-2400, ext. 964

Food Resources and Access in Washington, DC

MEAL SITES BEYOND DC (MD & VA):

HELP BY WARD:

  • Ward 1: If you live in Ward 1 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, call 202-681-9183 to offer or request assistance! Ellos tienen voluntarios que hablan español!

  • Ward 2: If you live in Ward 2 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, call 202-688-5812 to offer or request assistance!

  • Ward 3 Mutual Aid: If you live in Ward 3 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, please call 202-556-1315 or email ward3.mutualaid@gmail.com (se habla espanol).

  • Ward 4: If you live in Ward 4 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, call 202-681-3098 to offer or request assistance!

  • Ward 5: If you live in Ward 5 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, please call 202-643-7030! Ellos tienen voluntarios que hablan español!

  • Ward 6 Mutual Aid Network - If you live in Ward 6 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, contact ward6mutualaid@gmail.com for questions or call 202-683-9962.

  • Ward 7 COVID Resources: The Ward 7 COVID19 Response Team is focused on connecting seniors, children, & families with info & resources for the Corona Virus crisis. For family services, call 202-688-5947. For senior services, call 202-534-4880.

  • Ward 7 & 8: If you live in Ward 7 or 8 and need help or wish to offer assistance to your neighbors, please call 202-630-0336 to get connected.

  • Ward 8 Seniors - Ward 8 Seniors can contact Councilmember Trayon White’s office fore more information on assitance 202-724-8045

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY: