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Martha’s Table (Washington, DC)

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• Address / Location: 2375 Elvans Rd SE, Washington, DC 20020 

• Hours / Distribution: The Martha’s Table Market (pantry / distribution) is open Monday through Friday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM 

• Phone / Contact: 202-328-6608 

• Notes / Details:

  • The “Martha’s Table Market” offers no-cost or low-cost pantry items, fresh produce, etc.

  • The Commons location is the “hub” for their Southeast DC operations.

  • They also accept in-kind donations (clothing, etc.) during distribution hours: Mondays-Fridays, 11:00 AM–4:00 PM 

  • Be sure to check for holiday closures; e.g. some operations like “Martha’s Outfitters” may close on certain dates. 

 

Bread for the City (Washington, DC)

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• Addresses / Facilities:
    • Southeast Center: 1700 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC 
    • Northwest Center: 1525 7th Street NW, Washington, DC

• Hours / Pantry / Distribution:
    • Food Pantry Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday 9:00 AM (and Farmers Markets on certain Fridays) 
    • Friday operations are more limited (some Fridays may be just for farmers markets or special distributions) 

• Eligibility / Notes:
    • Their food pantries serve DC residents (you must live in the District) 
    • They offer Grocery Plus for seniors (an additional ~30 lb box) for qualified seniors, via registration/application 
    • Their services include “client‐choice” pantry format (you choose what goes in your bag) 

• Phone / Contact: 202-265-2400 (Southeast Center) 

• Web / More Info: https://breadforthecity.org 

 

True Deliverance Church of God (VDC Food Bank) — Capitol Heights, MD

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• Next Distribution: Saturday at 10:00 AM

• Address: 1804 Quarter Ave, Capitol Heights, MD

• Important Notes:
    • First-come, first-serve
    • Bring your registration barcode if you have one
    • This operates even if you live outside “official” zones (i.e. not strictly DC) — you said “doesn’t matter if you live in DMV area”

• Other: Verify in advance (contact church or local ward) to confirm schedule or changes due to holidays or inclement weather

 

Food For All DC

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• Mission / What They Do: Volunteer-based nonprofit that delivers groceries to homebound, low-income DC residents (especially those with health issues, disabilities, seniors, single parents) 

• Distribution / Access: By appointment only delivery model (i.e. they bring groceries to you) 

• Hours / Service Window: They appear to operate deliveries Thursday & Friday mornings (7 AM to 1 PM) and Saturday early hours (8 AM–10 AM) via appointment 

• Contact / Email / Web: info@foodforalldc.org; website: https://foodforalldc.org

• Address / Office: 1810 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 (but the distribution is not client pickup, it is home delivery) 

 

Manna Food Centers (Maryland / Surrounding Area)

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• Phone: (301) 424-1130

• Email: info@mannafood.org

• Address (Admin Office / HQ): 12301 Old Columbia Pike, Suite 200, Silver Spring, MD 20904

• Hours:
    • Admin Office: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    • Warehouse: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Notes: Manna is a major regional feeder / distribution network in MD; in many counties they partner with local pantries. (You’ll want to check their website for your specific county/zip area to find the closest pick-up point).

 

Father McKenna Center (Washington, DC)

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• Address / Location: 19 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 (steps from U.S. Capitol) 

• Hours: Their administrative offices are Mon–Fri 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM 

• Food Pantry / Distribution:
    • They run a “client-choice” food pantry 4 days a week offering fresh produce and other healthy items 
    • The pantry is open on “M, Tu, W, Th” (Monday through Thursday) in many references (check for current schedule)

• Notes / Eligibility: Primarily serves low-income D.C. households, including seniors. 

Additional Local / Church-Based Pantry Programs

• New Macedonia Baptist Church (SE DC / DC)
    • Corner of Alabama & Massachusetts Ave SE
    • Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM
    • Stay in your car — they will load canned goods, meats & dry foods into your vehicle
    • You provide your name and number in your household, and you may pick up for one other person (e.g. if riding with you)

• Pilgrim Baptist Church (NE DC /DC)

  • ​​​Every 3rd Saturday September thru June 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

  • The queue can begin as early as 8:00 or 8:30 AM. There is always enough basic food stuffs and commodities for everybody, but somethings may run out, that is why it is suggested you arrive early.

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Food & Meal Resources for DC-Area Residents

 

1. DC Central Kitchen (Emergency / Social Enterprise Cafés)

DC Central Kitchen operates cafés as social enterprise arms of their mission — the cafés both serve customers and provide job training, and in times of crisis they sometimes extend discounts or supports to impacted workers or contractors.

• Marianne’s by DC Central Kitchen
   • Location: 901 G St NW (ground floor, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library), Washington, DC 
   • Hours:
    – Monday–Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM 
    – Friday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM 
    – Sunday: Closed (
   • Notes: Named for Chef Marianne Ali, the café offers light fare, beverages, and conducts training as part of DC Central Kitchen’s programs. 

• DC Central Kitchen Café at the Klein Center for Jobs & Justice
   • Location: 2121 First St SW, Washington, DC (in lobby of the Klein Center) 
   • Hours:
    – Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    – Tuesday–Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    – Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
    – Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM 
   • Notes: Offers breakfast, lunch, to-go window, snacks; also part of the training/apprenticeship model. 

• DC Central Kitchen Café at THEARC (East Building)
   • Location: 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, East Building, Washington, DC
   • Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 
   • Notes: Also supports DC Central Kitchen’s training and workforce development mission.

• Additional Info & Contact
   • General contact email: info@dccentralkitchen.org 
   • Main phone: 202-847-0222 
   • DC Central Kitchen’s mission centers on combining hunger relief and job training, using food recovery, culinary training, and community meals. 
   • During emergency periods (e.g. government shutdowns), they have offered 50% discounts for impacted federal workers / contractors in their cafés. (As your listing stated.)

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2. Capital Area Food Bank & Its Programs

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The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is a major regional hub for food distribution, partnerships, nutrition programs, and direct community support

• Main Contact / Headquarters
   • Address: 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017 
   • Phone: (202) 644-9800 
   • Website / Homepage: capitalareafoodbank.org 

• Referral Help / “Hunger Lifeline”
   If you are food-insecure, the first step is calling or emailing CAFB’s Hunger Lifeline, which helps locate nearest pantries or food distribution sites.
   • Phone: (202) 644-9807
   • Email: hungerlifeline@capitalareafoodbank.org
   • Online: CAFB’s “Find Food Assistance” map / tool helps users locate partner pantries, distribution sites, and their hours.

• Direct Distribution & Programs

 Community Marketplaces
 These are monthly, farmers-market–style distributions of fresh produce and seasonal items, held in neighborhoods with high food needs — all at no cost to recipients. (Capital Area Food Bank)
 Examples (as of current schedule):
  • DC Community Marketplace — 1st Saturday of each month, Rosedale Rec Center, 1701 Gales St NE, Washington, DC 
  • NOVA Community Marketplace — 2nd Saturday, Reston Community Center / Southgate, 1215 Pinecrest Rd, Reston, VA 
  • PG County Community Marketplace — 3rd Saturday, Glenarden Community Center, 8615 McLain Ave, Glenarden, MD
  • Arlington Community Marketplace — 4th Saturday, Arlington Mills Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St, Arlington, VA (

 These markets may also host partner services — health, housing, utility assistance, cooking demos, etc. 

 Mobile Markets
 When neighborhoods lack nearby pantry coverage, CAFB runs pop-up markets (“Mobile Markets”) that bring free groceries, produce, and essential items directly into communities. 

 Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) / “Grocery Plus” / “My Groceries to Go”
 This program targets seniors (60+) with monthly boxes of nutritious food. In DC, it’s called Grocery Plus
 • To sign up or pick up, individuals go to East Capitol Walk-In Center (in DC Scholars Public Charter School, 5601 East Capitol St SE).
  – Hours (for DC site):
  • Monday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
  • Tuesday–Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • 3rd Saturday of the month: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 • Participants must bring proof of age and DC residency (one or two documents). 

 TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)
 CAFB acts as a conduit for USDA commodity foods under TEFAP, delivering those through partner pantries to eligible individuals at no cost. 

• Additional Program — Joyful Food Markets
   In select DC elementary schools (especially in Wards 7 and 8), CAFB and partners run monthly pop-up markets called Joyful Food Markets. These provide a 15-pound bag of groceries (≈70% produce) and allow families to choose items, with cooking demos and nutrition education. ​

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3. Federal Nutrition Programs Toolkit & Eligibility (https://www.dchunger.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FNP_Toolkit.pdf)

 

These programs are run at the federal and state level; local agencies and the CAFB often work with them. The toolkits help residents understand how to apply, qualify, and find providers.

• TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program)
   – Provides USDA commodity food items (canned goods, staples, sometimes fresh proteins) to distribution partners, which then serve the public. CAFB is a key TEFAP partner in the region. (Capital Area Food Bank)

• CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program)
   – Nutrition support for child care and adult day care centers, often in early childhood and afterschool settings
   – Check with your local DC or MD Department of Education or social services for participating sites in your area

• SFSP (Summer Food Service Program)
   – During summer months when school is out, SFSP ensures children 18 and under can access free meals at approved sites (parks, rec centers, schools)

• Other Toolkits / Resources by Age / Group
   DC (via DC Food Project) offers toolkits for different populations (infants, children, adults, seniors, pregnant/new moms) in English (and possibly in other languages). (DC FOOD PROJECT)

These toolkits do not include every local pantry or distribution but help you see which programs you may be eligible for and how to enroll or find providers.

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4. How to Use This Page / What Steps to Take

 

1. Check your address / zip code
    Start with CAFB’s Hunger Lifeline (call or email) or their “Find Food Assistance” tool to locate the pantry or distribution site closest to you. Many partner sites are mapped with hours, restrictions, and contact info.

2. Understand eligibility & requirements
    Some programs are open to all; others (like Bread for the City, CSFP, certain senior boxes) are limited by DC residency, age, or income. Always bring valid photo ID, proof of address / residency, and proof of household size.

3. Check hours & confirm before going
    Pantries or church distributions often change schedules due to holidays or supply. Call ahead if possible.

4. Prepare for distributions
    Bring reusable bags, carts, and plan your transportation. Some church distributions are “drive-through” style (you stay in your car).

5. Know your options for delivery
    If you cannot travel, check Food For All DC, which delivers to homebound residents (by appointment).

6. Speak up if you represent a group or site
    If you run a church, rec center, or community space, you can contact CAFB to become a partner site or host a Community Marketplace. 

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Ward-Level Mutual Aid & Neighborhood Food Support in DC

 

Ward 1 – Ward 1 Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 681-9181 

• What they do: Provide food, supplies, and community support (groceries, personal care items, hygiene supplies).

• Additional details:
   • Operates via a weekly distribution table or mutual aid hubs across Ward 1, often in partnership with building co-ops, neighborhood groups, and food rescue networks. 
   • They partner with DC Diaper Bank to distribute diapers monthly. 
   • They also coordinate home deliveries when possible, especially for neighbors who cannot attend distribution sites in person. 

• Notes / best practices:
   • They primarily communicate updates via social media (Instagram, X) and word of mouth.
   • No fixed address is listed; people generally call the hotline or follow their social accounts to learn about upcoming distribution spots. 

 

Ward 2 – Ward 2 Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 688-5812

• What they do: Food, supplies, mutual aid coordination among neighbors

• Additional details:
   • The group operates informally; they post updates, calls for donations or volunteer needs, and resource drops via social media. 

 

Ward 3 – Ward 3 Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 556-1315 

• What they do: Food, supplies, volunteer coordination

• Note: Like other Ward's mutual aids, operates via distributed hubs or small-scale drops; stay tuned to social media for exact addresses and times. 

 

Ward 4 – Ward 4 Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 681-3098 

• What they do / key offerings: Distribute food, diapers, essential supplies; also offer home deliveries when needed. 

• Distribution schedule / location:
   • One Saturday per month, starting 10:00 AM
   • Usually held at Brightwood Park United Methodist Church, 744 Jefferson St NW 

• Home delivery option: If you cannot come to the site on Saturday, you can call or text the hotline ahead of time to arrange a delivery. 

• Special notes:
   • They operate with no registration or income verification — “no questions asked.” 
   • Limitations: supplies (food, diapers) are subject to availability; typically serve the first 100 families on those Saturdays. 

 

Ward 5 – Ward 5 Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 643-7030 

• What they do: Food, supplies, mutual aid among neighbors

• Details / considerations: The group tends to use social media to announce pop-up distributions or neighborhood support events. 

 

Ward 6 – Serve Your City / Ward 6 Mutual Aid (SYC / W6MA)

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• Website / Online presence: serveyourcitydc.org (as listed)

• What they do: After-school programs, tutoring, food distribution, supply drives (e.g. school supplies, hygiene kits)

• Notes / further info:
   • I found a mention of a hotline used by Ward 6 mutual aid: 202-683-9962 (some community listings) 
   • Likely relies on volunteers and community partners to assemble and deliver resources to neighborhoods.
   • If you live in Ward 6, check their site or local social media groups for current pickup locations or distribution days.

 

Wards 7 & 8 – East of the River Mutual Aid

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• Contact / Hotline: (202) 630-0336 

• What they do: Coordinate aid for neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River, including food, supplies, neighborhood mutual support

• Notes: They are part of the larger mutual aid network covering Wards 7 & 8. Updates are posted on social platforms and volunteer lists. 

Other Helpful DC-Area Food / Social Service Organizations

 

DCHunger (DC Hunger Solutions)

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• Web resource / “Get Help” page: https://www.dchunger.org/get-help/

• Address / Contact:
   • 11 Dupont Circle NW #500, Washington, DC 20036
   • Phone: 202-640-1088 / 202-640-1085
   • Email: info@dchunger.org

• What they offer: Resource directory for DC residents — listings of food pantries, meal programs, benefits support, nutrition programs, etc.

 

SOME (So Others Might Eat)

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• Service offerings: SOME is a larger social services organization that provides meals, transitional housing, job training, health services, etc.

• Address / Contact:
   • 71 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
   • Phone: 202-797-8806
   • Email: some@some.org

• Notes: While SOME is not exclusively a pantry or food distribution group, their “Get Help” service page includes food-related assistance and many wrap-around supports for vulnerable individuals.

 

Food & Friends

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• Mission / What they do: Provide home-delivered medically tailored meals, medically tailored grocery boxes, and medical nutrition therapy to individuals living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. 

• Address / Contact:
   • 219 Riggs Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011 
   • Main Phone: (202) 269-2277 
   • Fax: (202) 635-4265 
   • TTY Service: (202) 855-1234 
   • Website: https://foodandfriends.org 

• Service eligibility / details:
   • Clients are accepted based solely on medical need (i.e. diagnosis), not income — there is no income qualification.
   • Provides both meals (prepared and delivered) and grocery boxes based on dietary / medical needs. 
   • They also provide nutrition counseling to clients. 

• Hours / operations:
   • From public sources, the office is open roughly 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Mon–Fri) in general. 
   • Because their service is delivery-based, clients arrange their meal deliveries rather than walking into a pantry.

• Accolades / trust:
   • Food & Friends holds a 4-star rating on 

 

Best Practices & Tips for Mutual Aid / Pantry Access Pages

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• Always check social media / hotlines: Mutual aid groups frequently change locations, schedules, or drop-offs based on supply and volunteer capacity.

• Verify ZIP / Ward alignment: Some mutual aid hubs serve only specific wards; others are more flexible.

• Prepare ahead: Bring proof of residence (if required), reusable bags, any mobility aids, and know whether you need to call ahead or register.

• Accessibility & delivery: If you are unable to make it in person (mobility issues, health limitations), many groups (e.g. Ward 4 Mutual Aid) offer home deliveries if notified in advance.

• Volunteer or donate: Mutual aid operates on neighbor support; many groups welcome donations of food, diapers, hygiene supplies, small funds, or time.

• Cross-check with “Get Help” directories: Use resources like DCHunger, CAFB’s Hunger Lifeline, or local DC directories to find pantries beyond mutual aid groups.

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Disclaimer: Please verify before you visit these programs. Call or check websites for updates (hours, holiday closures, eligibility).

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