The Capital Area Food Bank is responding to COVID-19. See the latest information and updates here. Toggle search Menu HOME WHAT WE DO DIRECT FOOD DISTRIBUTION Direct Food Distribution Hunger exists in every zip code. We’re committed to helping our neighbors get the food they need to thrive, no matter where they live. Sometimes it’s most efficient to provide food directly to kids, seniors, and families. While most of the food we provide goes out to the community through our network of more than 450 nonprofit partners, we also distribute food straight to those we serve when there’s no brick and mortar partner available in a neighborhood where people are in need, or where that’s the most effective way to reach a particular area or group. Our direct distribution programs include: Afterschool meals for kids Monthly groceries for seniors Mobile markets and monthly pop-up markets for families Large scale emergency food aid when needed Explore our direct food distribution programs For kids Weekend Bags To ensure children who rely on school breakfasts and lunches have healthy, kid-friendly food over the weekends, we provide weekly bags of groceries. Mobile Food Program During the summer months, we drive a converted school bus loaded with lunches into neighborhoods where kids aren’t within walking distance of food assistance. Kids Summer Meals Program Throughout our community, we provide children with the meals they need to fuel their bodies and minds over the summer months when school lunch programs are unavailable. Kids Afterschool Meals Program Not all children have dinner waiting at home each night. To ensure children go home with a full stomach, we provide meals to kids in afterschool programs. Brighter Bites The food bank partners with the organization Brighter Bites to to provide kids and their families at several regional schools with a weekly bag of fresh produce, nutrition education materials, and a fun food experience. For seniors Senior Brown Bag Every month, we deliver bags of groceries to senior centers and housing facilities to help older adults get the nutrition they need to stay strong and healthy. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program Partnering with the USDA, we deliver a month’s worth of groceries to qualifying seniors in Washington, D.C., and Montgomery County, Maryland. For families Family Markets Hosted in schools throughout the region, our Family Markets offer free food in a convenient, market-like setting. Joyful Food Market Operated in partnership with Martha’s Table, Joyful Food Markets provide free food for families during a farmers-market style experience in 53 public elementary schools in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8. For everyone Mobile Markets Every month, we bring no-cost produce and groceries directly into neighborhoods that don’t currently have a permanent location where residents can find food assistance. Community Marketplaces Inspired by farmers markets, our Community Marketplaces provide no-cost, seasonal fruits and vegetables in areas in need of fresh produce. The Emergency Food Assistance Program Part of a government-and-nonprofit partnership, The Emergency Food Assistance Program significantly increases the food we’re able to distribute by providing our partners with USDA commodity food items at no cost. Helping kids grow and learn Too many families in our region are unable to put dinner on the table every night. For children in these homes, their school lunch may be their last meal of the day. But our afterschool meals program helps to prevent that. By delivering meals to afterschool programs and recreation centers throughout the Washington, D.C., metro area, we give kids the extra meal they need to stay healthy and retain what they’ve learned during the day. It’s a vital program for many children in our community. The market is very helpful. They always have vegetables available, and great recipe ideas. And they give you the things you need for those times you might have otherwise run out of food. MICHELLE Service Recipient Help keep our programs going Our direct distribution programs bring nutritious meals to those who need them most. And you can make more of that possible through a simple donation. With just one unrestricted dollar, you can provide 2.5 meals. Imagine the difference you can make in peoples’ lives. Donate Visit our Facebook Visit our Twitter Visit our Instagram Visit our Youtube HUNGER IN OUR REGION WHAT WE DO IMPACT HOW TO HELP About Us Financial & Tax Info Careers Newsroom Privacy Policy DONATE Locations District of Columbia 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20017 P: (202) 644-9800 F: (202) 529-1767 DIRECTIONS Virginia 6833 Hill Park Drive Lorton, VA 22079 P: (571) 482-4770 F: (703) 541-0179 DIRECTIONS Donor Info United Way: #8052 CFC: #30794 Tax ID: #52-1167581 © Capital Area Food Bank, 2019 | Privacy Policy