Food
~Nutritious free meals are available for children and teens 18 and younger at many locations throughout the nation throughout the summer while school is out of session. To find a location near you that provides this resource, click here.
~ “The SHARE Network (1-800-21-SHARE) is a wholesale food cooperative that can provide $40-$50 worth of food for just $21 and 2 hours of volunteer work per month.” For more information about how to access the SHARE Network, click here.
~ “Food and Friends (202-269-2277) provides home delivered meals and groceries to people with serious illnesses (HIV/AIDS, cancer, poorly-controlled diabetes, or receiving hospice care) that limit their ability to get food for themselves. Must be referred by a healthcare provider.” For more information, click here.
~ “The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, provides low-income households with a monthly Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that can be used, like a debit card, to buy food at most grocery stores and other food retailers, including farmers’ markets.”
~ Use this calculator to find out if you’re eligible for SNAP benefits.
~Steps to apply for SNAP benefits:
“1. Complete an application.
Download an application from the D.C. Department of Human Services, Economic Security Administration (ESA) website, or go to the nearest ESA Service Center* to pick up an application. Gather the documentation for your application – download a list of the documentation needed to apply.
2. Submit your application.
Take your application to any ESA Service Center. If possible, have enough time to wait for an interview with a caseworker. If not, turn in your application, and be prepared to come back for an interview. You have the right to submit an incomplete application if you have completed and signed the first page. Make sure to get a receipt indicating that you turned in your application.
3. Meet with an ESA caseworker.
Meet with a caseworker for an interview and to complete the application process. They will inform you of any missing documentation and other programs you might be eligible for.
4. Pick up EBT card if approved.
The ESA office has 30 days to inform you if you qualify for SNAP/Food Stamps (7 days for emergency SNAP/Food Stamps). You will receive a letter in the mail stating if you qualify and how much your benefit amount will be. You must then pick up your EBT card at one of the two EBT training centers located at 661 H Street, NE and 1649 Good Hope Rd, SE.
5. Keep up with the program.
Important! Every household must complete and send in a mid-certification form halfway through their certification period. Watch for the form in the mail. YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SEND IN THIS FORM or your benefits will end. If there is ever a change to any of the information you stated on your application (e.g., income, address) you must inform the ESA Service Center. You can fill out a change form at your assigned service center, or call (202) 727-6600 or (202) 727-5355.
*You can also find center locations by calling (202) 727-5355.”
~ “The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides nutritious foods, nutrition education, and access to health care to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children under 5.”
~To apply for WIC, contact your local WIC clinic or call 202-442-9397. For more information and resources for families, partners, and health professionals, visit www.dcwic.org.
~Check out more WIC Resources.
~More resources:
~Emergency Food and Other Social Services: The Capital Area Food Bank Network
~Grocery Stores and Other Healthy Food Access: The Healthy Food Access Portal
~Farmers’ markets, information on Produce Plus, and Community Food Guides: DC Greens
1200 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 640-1088
Last updated: 08.09.19
