Each month, Bread for the City’s two food pantries provide nutritious groceries to households that experience food insecurity-including fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats- to clients living near the federal poverty line. Two monthly 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. Our Sustainable Agriculture division both grows food and educates the community at our two rooftop gardens and three-acre orchard.
To receive a monthly food supplement from Bread for the City’s pantry, clients must be low income and live in Washington, DC. A one-time registration and an annual re-certification. Please let us know if you are unable to get the items on this list, and we will try to work with you. If you need help, we will do our best to assist you.
What to bring on your first visit:
• Proof of positive identity: Photo ID; Birth certificate; Mail postmarked within 2 months; Other documentation may occasionally be required in special cases. No one will be turned away from receiving services at Bread for the City because they do not have a photo ID. If you don’t have an ID during your first visit to the pantry, you may be asked to answer a security question that can then be used as identification on future visits, if other identification continues to not be available.
• Proof of address or access to cooking facilities in DC: Rental receipt with recent date; Statement from DHS; Lease (less than 2 years old); Persons living in a shelter must bring proof of access to kitchen, Mail with client’s name and address; Other documentation may occasionally be required in special cases. (If you live with someone who owns or rents a property, that individual may be asked to provide verification documents.).
• Proof of Income: Pay stub/ receipt; Letter from DHS (public benefits)/SSI/Social Security; Photocopied checks; Bank statements; Other documentation may occasionally be required in special cases.
• Proof of spouse and/or dependents, if applicable: Anything bearing child’s name and parent’s current address such as school records, medical bills, rental lease, or TANF documentation. (You will not be able to use the child’s birth certificate, medical card or social security card.); Apartment lease or letter from landlord; Letter from DHS/ TANF documents; Other documentation may occasionally be required in special cases.
Everyone experiences moments of challenge. Bread for the City offers DC residents an opportunity to fill the gaps. To register, please walk in during regular hours and inquire with Front Desk staff. You also may print, complete and bring the Registration Packet with you.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (202) 265-2400 to book your appointment.
Address :
1525 7th St NW,
Washington, DC 20001.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Tues: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Wed: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Thurs: 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
- Fri: 08:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Sat: Closed
- Sun: Closed
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (202) 265-2400 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.