2025 Food Recovery Partners
Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
Since 1988, AFAC, the Arlington Food Assistance Center, has been dedicated to the simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington, Virginia, who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.
Food recovery at Arlington and Ballston
Cornerstones
Cornerstones, along with other nonprofit, faith-based organizations, schools, and government programs, works on several fronts to end hunger and address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity in the larger Herndon-Reston area. They offer a wide array of services that both address immediate concerns such as food, rent, and utilities, and help clients plan for the future.
Food recovery at Reston
DC Central Kitchen
DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living-wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed.
Food recovery at Dupont Circle
Dreamers and Achievers
Dreamers and Achievers serves as a drop-in center where people can come throughout the day for support and resources. Their staff supports community members dealing with mental health disorders and substance use/misuse disorders, and are dedicated to uplifting the DC community. Their dream is to improve the quality of life in the community for people affected by mental health disorders and substance misuse.
Food recovery at Simon Elementary
First Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.
First Church is a DC-based church community that has partnered with FRESHFARM since our very first FRESH Food Drive. Every year, they collect food from markets to provide Thanksgiving Day gift baskets with turkeys and vegetables to families in need.
Food recovery at H Street NE
Food For Others
Since 1995, Food for Others has been helping families in the capital area who are struggling to make ends meet. Food for Others is an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for those needing food when an emergency strikes and for the growing number of working poor who need to supplement their inadequate food supplies.
Food recovery at Oakton
Food Rescue US – DC
Food Rescue US is a national food recovery organization committed to reducing food waste and food insecurity in America. Using their web-based app, they engage volunteers to transfer excess fresh food from grocers, restaurants, and other sources to social service agencies that feed people who are food insecure. Check out this great video from 2021 highlighting the recovery efforts of the DC chapter of Food Rescue US at the Dupont market, to benefit organizations like DC Central Kitchen and other local nonprofits.
Food recovery at Dupont Circle, Mosaic, and Reston
Miriam’s Kitchen
The Miriam’s Kitchen team utilizes a comprehensive approach to eliminating the housing crisis in Washington, DC. Through engaging guests with healthy, made-from-scratch meals, Miriam’s Kitchen connects them with personalized social services that assist them with rebuilding their lives.
Food recovery at Foggy Bottom
NW Community Food
NW Community Food is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in DC with fresh produce, shelf-stable foods, and household and personal hygiene items. They serve food-insecure neighbors across Ward 3 and beyond, reaching 200 households each week.
Food recovery at Cleveland Park
Project Greenfoot
Project Greenfoot works in partnership with local organic growers in the Washington, DC area to source fresh, organic, non-GMO produce each week. They prioritize minimizing food waste and maximizing food access while upholding the highest standards in safety, quality, and care.
Food recovery at Mount Vernon Triangle
The Purple Bins
The Purple Bins collects food, clothes, shoes, personal care items, toys, and more for the Takoma Park community. Food insecurity is a big challenge in the neighborhood, and the organization is grateful for fresh food donations that help neighbors in need who may not have enough food to eat otherwise.
Food recovery at Whittier Elementary
Shepherd’s Table
Shepherd’s Table works to improve quality of life, create a pathway towards self-sufficiency, and inspire hope for the most vulnerable experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and poverty. Based in Silver Spring, they welcome all to their community table for meals and access to social services, provided with compassion and respect.
Food recovery at Downtown Silver Spring
Ward 1 Mutual Aid
Ward 1 Mutual Aid is a grassroots community-led effort helping to take care of members of the community and keep Washington, DC as safe as possible. They are part of the DC Mutual Aid Network and were born in the midst of the pandemic in spring 2020. They support multiple weekly food and supply distribution tables throughout Ward 1 to help neighbors meet their needs.
Food recovery at Columbia Heights (Sat.)
Ward 5 Mutual Aid
Ward 5 Mutual Aid is an all-volunteer, grassroots group of Ward 5 residents dedicated to supporting neighbors. They provide information, resources, direct support, and advocate for the safety and well-being of Ward 5 residents, particularly those most targeted by state violence and neglect. Their efforts are in alignment and collaboration with the citywide DC Mutual Aid Network.
Food recovery at Monroe Street
+One
+One builds networks that rescue perfectly edible food from being discarded and redirect it to individuals and families. They are on a mission to eliminate hunger by eliminating the pervasive gap between food waste and communities in need of food.
Food recovery at Columbia Heights (Wed.) and Dupont Circle