Food Pantry
Our Northwest Center food pantry is going through renovations!
We’re still open but things look a little different and might move a little slower.
We’ll have a beautiful new food pantry in August!
Get Groceries
324,000 DC households experience food insecurity.
Every month you can pick up groceries at Bread for the City. By coming into one of our centers, you can shop and pick what goes in your bag just like a grocery store – but it’s free! We offer a seasonal selection of fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats, and nonperishables.
Each month, Bread for the City’s two food pantries provide nutritious groceries — including fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats — to more than 8,400 clients living near the federal poverty line. Our weekly Farmers Markets offer fresh produce to the community at large, and as a Grocery Plus distribution site, Bread for the City offers an additional 30 lb. box of food to a small number of seniors.
Northwest Food Pantry
1525 7th St NW Washington, DC 20001
Mon-Thu, 9 am to 3 pm
Friday, Free farmers markets (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 (every 2nd and 4th Friday)
What to know before your first visit:
Choice is back on the table!
- You will get to choose what goes in your groceries when picking up based on a points system
- You can pick up groceries once per month
- TIP: Bring reusable bags if you have them!
Bring proof of household size:
- School Records
- TANF records
- Insurance information
- Lease information
The amount of food given will be according to household size. Groceries for a household of two will be given if no proof is provided.
Bring a form of identification:
- Current DC license or Current DC identification Card
- Current Government Issued identification card with DC Address
OR ID (passport, expired ID, bank card, SNAP card, etc.) PLUS
- Current lease
- Government issued document proving current DC residency
- Proof of CURRENT DC residency (bill, TANF info, Insurance records, etc.)
If you are unable to come in:
If you would like to send someone else to pick up your food, they will need to bring the following:
- Their photo ID
- Your current DC ID or Proof of DC residency (within 3 months) with a photo ID
- Client’s proof of family size if more than one person is in household
- If your caseworker is picking up the food, they will need to bring paperwork with you and your case worker’s name on it, too.
- We will then call you to ensure the person can pick groceries up for you
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
Bread for the City’s Partnership with Grupo Acción
We Did It! A Heartfelt Thank You for Holiday Helpings 2024
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!