More Free Food Distribution Resources for DMV Residents Impacted by the Federal Shutdown

Below is a list of trusted community food resources offering free groceries, produce, and hot meals for federal workers, contractors, and families in need.

1. Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway

Various Locations Learn More & Locations → https://dcwashingtonweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=165589886

Fresh, locally grown produce is available through the Communal Farm Weekly Veggie Giveaway, hosted at various community sites across D.C. Each week, neighbors can stop by for free vegetables, herbs, and seasonal items grown at local farms.

Who can participate: Open to all community members, including furloughed or unpaid federal employees.

2. Re-Delicious at Edgewood Community Farm

Location: 2304 2nd St NE, Washington, DC

Time: Sundays, 3–5 PM

This weekly event turns surplus produce into community support. Through the Re-Delicious initiative, Edgewood Community Farm offers free fruits and vegetables every Sunday afternoon.

Bring your own bags and enjoy a welcoming, neighborly atmosphere focused on sustainability and mutual care.

3. Arcadia’s Mobile Market

Location: 650 Kenilworth Terrace NE, Washington, DC

Time: Wednesdays, 3–6 PM

Visit Website → https://www.arcadiafood.org/mobile-market-1

Arcadia’s Mobile Market brings fresh, locally grown food directly to neighborhoods that need it most.During the federal shutdown, Arcadia is temporarily honoring up to $30 in free fruits and veggies for SNAP recipients and federal workers.

What to bring:

• EBT card or federal ID

• Reusable bags

This is a wonderful way to stretch your grocery budget while supporting local farmers and a more equitable food system.

4. Families Moving Forward Food Pantry

Location: 3230 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC

Time: 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 10 AM–2 PM

More Info → https://northcapinc.org/families-moving-forward-food-pantry/

Operated by North Capitol Collaborative, the Families Moving Forward Food Pantry offers groceries, non-perishable items, and household essentials twice a month.

The pantry is especially focused on serving families, seniors, and individuals affected by reduced income or unpaid furloughs.

5. World Central Kitchen – #ChefsForFeds

https://wck.org/relief/shutdown-25

Find Meal Sites → https://wck.org/news/distro-sites-govt-shutdown

Founded by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen has reactivated its #ChefsForFeds program to provide free, chef-prepared meals to federal workers during the shutdown.

Meals are being served daily at designated distro sites across the DMV. No registration required — just show up with a federal ID or agency badge if available.

6. Capital Area Food Bank

The Capital Area Food Bank is coordinating free food distributions across the D.C. metropolitan area specifically for federal workers and contractors impacted by the shutdown.

Day	Time	Location & Address
Tuesdays	12:00 pm–2:00  pm	No Limits Outreach Ministries: 7721 Barlowe Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20785
Wednesdays	10:00 am –12:00  pm	Seneca Creek Community Church: 13 Firstfield Rd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Fridays	11:00 am–1:00 pm	United Community: 7511 Fordson Rd, Alexandria, VA 22306
Fridays	11:00 am –1:30 pm	Urban Outreach: 5343 C St SE, Washington, DC 20019
Saturdays	1:00 pm –2:30 pm	LindaBen Foundation: 10739 Tucker St, Beltsville, MD 20705

Visit their site to locate nearby pantries, mobile markets, and pop-up distribution events. Many locations also offer help with SNAP benefits and other hunger-relief programs.--> https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/dmv-help/