Food Pantry
Get Fresh & Free Groceries
More than 320,000 DC households experience food insecurity.
Every month, you can pick up free groceries at Bread for the City. When you visit one of our centers, you can shop and choose what goes into your bag—just like at a grocery store. We offer a seasonal mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meats, and shelf-staple items.
Through our two food pantries, we provide nutritious groceries to more than 8,400 neighbors each month who are living near the federal poverty line. We also host weekly Farmers Markets that offer fresh produce to the wider community, and as a Grocery Plus distribution site, we provide an additional 30-pound box of food to a limited number of seniors.
Northwest Food Pantry
1525 7th St NW Washington, DC 20001
Mon-Thu, 9 am to 3 pm
Friday, Free farmers markets, 9-11 am (every 1st and 3rd Friday)
Southeast Food Pantry
1700 Marion Barry Ave SE Washington, DC 20020
Mon-Thu, 9 am to 3 pm
Friday, Free farmers markets, 9-11 am (every 2nd, 4th, and 5th Friday when applicable)
What to know before your first visit:
Getting Started: What to Expect
- Visit our Food Check-in desk to begin the process.
- Shop with Support–staff or volunteers will assist you in your shopping experience.
- Clients will have access to a variety of pantry sections: fresh fruits and vegetables, frozen meat options, grains, and other shelf-staple items.
- TIP: Bring carts and reusable bags if possible. This will help to make your visit quicker, especially on busy days.
Your Choice Matters
- You choose the groceries that work for your household using a points system.
- Food is provided for DC households based on household size.
- You can pick up groceries once per month.
Grocery Distribution is Based on Household Size
- Food distribution is based on the number of people in your household.
- Household size includes all people who live together and share meals.
- Share your household size that applies at the time of your visit. This will be saved for future visits.
FREE Farmers Markets
Pick up free, fresh, and seasonal produce at our regular markets!
Southeast Center:
Every second and fourth Friday of the month at 9 AM*
Northwest Center:
Every first and third Friday of the month at 9 AM*
*ends at 11:45 or until we run out of food, whichever comes first
How was your experience with our food program?
Use our Client Comment Form to share your thoughts.
Food Program Impact Stats
Donate Healthy Food
Food gifts are accepted at Bread for the City’s Northwest and Southeast Centers during normal business hours. Please see our food donation guidelines to ensure your donation helps our clients enjoy a healthier diet. Donations may be delivered to the rear food pantry doors at either center, and an in-kind donation receipt will be provided for tax records.
Food Program Updates
Stay up to date on all the latest Bread for the City news
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Give Today!
Bread for the City’s services are made possible through the support of thousands of donors like you. Without your support, we would not be able to provide the food, clothing, social, legal, advocacy, and medical services that we do to 10,000 DC residents every month. Thank you!