Local food banks and nonprofits across DC, Maryland and Virginia are stepping up to support families and federal workers affected by the ongoing shutdown.
As families across the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia region continue to feel the impact of the government shutdown, the team at Washington Parent has compiled a list of local food banks and volunteer opportunities to help those in need. The resource highlights organizations working tirelessly to keep food on the table and offers ways readers can contribute — by donating, volunteering or spreading the word.
According to Philanthropy News Digest, more than 275,000 residents across the region rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits each month. As federal workers miss paychecks and SNAP distribution remains uncertain, food banks and local charities in the DMV are preparing for increased demand.
For families needing immediate assistance, DC’s food assistance programs, including free weekend meals for children and senior dining sites, are listed at dc.gov/food-assistance.
Emergency and school meal programs
Beyond traditional food banks, several counties and cities have activated programs to ensure children and seniors continue receiving meals during the shutdown.
- DC recreation centers and schools are offering free lunches for children on weekends with no ID or application required.
- Montgomery and Prince George’s counties have Grab & Go meal sites open to students and families affected by the shutdown.
- Local senior centers and dining programs across the region provide no-cost or low-cost meals for residents age 60 and older.
For details, visit your county’s official website or the D.C. Food Assistance page at dc.gov/food-assistance.
Capital Area Food Bank
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- Address: 4900 Puerto Rico Ave. NE, Washington, DC
- Area served: Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia
- How to receive food: Visit one of the bank’s partner locations or mobile markets. Use the “Find Food” tool at capitalareafoodbank.org.
- How to donate: Make a financial contribution online or drop off nonperishable food at the central warehouse.
- How to volunteer: Sign up to sort, pack and distribute food at warehouse or community market shifts.
Maryland Food Bank
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- Address: 2200 Halethorpe Farms Road, Baltimore, MD
- Area served: Statewide in Maryland
- How to receive food: Search for nearby pantries using the “Find Food” locator at mdfoodbank.org/find-food.
- How to donate: Monetary and food donations are accepted online or at the central facility.
- How to volunteer: Individuals and groups can help sort food, pack boxes and glean at local farms.
Manna Food Center
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- Address: 9311 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD
- Area served: Montgomery County, Maryland
- How to receive food: Call 301-424-1130 or visit mannafood.org to schedule a pickup.
- How to donate: Make online donations or bring nonperishable food to the Gaithersburg warehouse.
- How to volunteer: Volunteers help pack Smart Sacks for students and organize pantry deliveries.
So What Else – Montgomery County
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- Address: 4924 Wyaconda Road, North Bethesda, MD
- Area served: Montgomery County, Maryland
- How to receive food: Outdoor pantry opens from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays; indoor pantry opens from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday; home delivery available for seniors and homebound residents.
- How to donate: Give online or drop off nonperishable food and household goods at the North Bethesda location.
- How to volunteer: Help distribute food, drive deliveries or assist with mobile pantries.
So What Else – DC Chapter
- Address: Mobile distributions across Washington, DC
- Area served: Washington, DC
- How to receive food: Check the distribution calendar at sowhatelse.org/food-rescue-bank/dc-chapter.
- How to donate: Financial and in-kind donations are accepted online to support food and supply deliveries.
- How to volunteer: Sign up to help at mobile distribution events or as a delivery driver.
Food for Others
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- Address: 2942 Prosperity Ave., Fairfax, VA
- Area served: Fairfax County, Virginia
- How to receive food: Clients can visit neighborhood sites listed on foodforothers.org.
- How to donate: Food for Others accepts online financial gifts and shelf-stable food donations.
- How to volunteer: Volunteers assist with warehouse operations, mobile food distributions and pickup routes.
Britepaths
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- Address: 4080 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, VA
- Area served: Fairfax County, Virginia
- How to receive food: Families referred through Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning can receive groceries and gift cards.
- How to donate: Donate online or provide grocery store gift cards through britepaths.org.
- How to volunteer: Help pack and distribute pantry bags or assist with client support events.
Western Fairfax Christian Ministries
- Address: 4511 Daly Drive, Suite J, Chantilly, VA
- Area served: Fairfax County, Virginia
- How to receive food: Walk-in pantry available; check wfcmva.org for hours.
- How to donate: Accepts online donations, nonperishable food, hygiene items and diapers.
- How to volunteer: Volunteers assist with food pickup, delivery, warehouse organization and food drives.
Northern Virginia Family Service – Hunger Resource Center
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- Address: 10056 Dean Drive, Manassas, VA
- Area served: Prince William County, Virginia
- How to receive food: By appointment only; call 571-748-2500.
- How to donate: Financial gifts fund grocery assistance and family support services.
- How to volunteer: Help pack and distribute food to families in need.
Loudoun Hunger Relief
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- Address: 750 Miller Drive SE, Leesburg, VA
- Where: Loudoun County, Virginia
- How to receive food: Walk-in pantry hours listed at loudounhunger.org.
- How to donate: Financial and food donations accepted; produce drop-offs encouraged.
- How to volunteer: Opportunities include stocking shelves, packing bags and assisting during drive-thru events.
Food Justice DMV
- Address: Regional operations across DC, Maryland and Virginia
- Area served: DMV area
- How to receive food: Request weekly deliveries at foodjusticedmv.org/request-help.
- How to donate: Online donations cover groceries, diapers and delivery costs for families.
- How to volunteer: Volunteers deliver food, pack boxes and serve as bilingual coordinators.
ALIVE! Alexandria
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- Address: 801 S. Payne St., Alexandria, VA
- Where: City of Alexandria, Virginia
- How to receive food: Visit ALIVE! food hubs, mobile pop-ups or school pantries. Locations and hours at alive-inc.org.
- How to donate: Make financial contributions online or drop off nonperishable food and household goods.
- How to volunteer: Help with food sorting, weekend distributions and community events.
Quick Links
- Find Food Near You – Capital Area Food Bank
- Volunteer Sign-Up – Manna Food Center
- Volunteer Sign-Up – NVFS
- Donate Now – Food for Others
- D.C. Food Assistance Programs
How You Can Help
Every organization listed accepts both donations and volunteers. Even a small contribution — of time, funds or food — can make a difference for families struggling during the shutdown. Visit
Ronel Hentschel is the Publisher at Washington Parent. With a passion for marketing and parenting, she’s dedicated to creating meaningful content for families. A mother of two teenage boys, Ronel holds an MBA in International Management from the University of London.
