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Capital Area Food Bank — Washington DC guide

The Washington region's largest hunger-relief organization

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is the largest hunger-relief organization in the Washington metro area, distributing about 60 million meals a year through more than 400 partner pantries, meal programs, and schools across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.

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Before you go: Food pantry hours and eligibility may change. Always confirm directly with the organization before visiting.

Contact & access

Address
4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017
Public transit
Closest Metro: Fort Totten (Red/Green/Yellow), then Metrobus 80. Free parking at the warehouse for volunteers and partners.
Language access
Hunger Lifeline: English and Spanish. Partner pantries offer additional languages including Amharic, French, and Vietnamese.

Official sources

Confirm current hours, eligibility, and contact details on the official pages above.

This page is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Capital Area Food Bank unless explicitly stated.

Last updated: June 2026

What the Capital Area Food Bank does

Like all food banks, CAFB is a warehouse — not a pantry. It sources food in bulk from farms, grocery retailers, manufacturers, the USDA, and individual donors, then distributes it to a regional network of partner organizations who hand it directly to families. If you need groceries, you'll get them from a CAFB partner, not from the food bank itself.

Confused by the difference? See our explainer on food bank vs. food pantry.

Locations

DC warehouse

4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017. The main distribution center, volunteer site, and nutrition education kitchen.

Northern Virginia distribution center

6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton VA 22079. Serves the food bank's Virginia partners with shorter truck routes and more rapid distribution.

Service area

  • Washington DC — all eight Wards
  • Maryland — Montgomery County, Prince George's County
  • Virginia — Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, and the City of Alexandria

Major programs

  • Partner Network — 400+ pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and schools.
  • Grocery Plus — monthly food boxes for income-eligible seniors.
  • Mobile Marketplaces — fresh-produce pop-ups in under-served neighborhoods.
  • Joyful Food Markets — pop-up grocery markets in DC public elementary schools.
  • Healthy Cornerstore — bringing fresh food to corner stores in food deserts.
  • Hunger Lifeline — bilingual call line that helps callers find pantries and apply for SNAP.

How to get food from a CAFB partner

  1. Find a pantry near you using FoodCycled's DC pantry directory or DC food assistance hub.
  2. Check the pantry's hours and any service-area restrictions.
  3. Bring photo ID and proof of address if you can.
  4. Walk in or, where required, sign up for a time slot online.

Volunteering and donating

CAFB needs volunteers year-round at both warehouses to sort and pack food, and at Mobile Marketplaces and Joyful Food Markets. Cash donations stretch the furthest — they can buy roughly four meals per dollar through retail and wholesale partnerships. Food drives are welcome but most effective when focused on shelf-stable proteins and culturally relevant staples.

Related DC guides

Frequently asked questions

  • Where is the Capital Area Food Bank?

    The Capital Area Food Bank's main warehouse is at 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017. A second distribution center serves Northern Virginia at 6833 Hill Park Drive, Lorton VA 22079.

  • Can I get food directly from the Capital Area Food Bank?

    No — the Capital Area Food Bank does not give food directly to individuals. It distributes food to more than 400 partner pantries, meal programs, and nonprofits across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Find a partner near you to pick up groceries.

  • What area does the Capital Area Food Bank serve?

    CAFB serves the Washington metropolitan area: DC, Montgomery County and Prince George's County in Maryland, and Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties in Virginia. It distributes about 60 million meals a year.

  • How can I help the Capital Area Food Bank?

    You can donate money (the most efficient way to help), donate food, volunteer at the warehouse, or organize a food drive. Volunteer shifts are bookable on their website.

  • How do I find a Capital Area Food Bank partner pantry?

    CAFB partners include hundreds of DC, Maryland, and Virginia pantries. Use FoodCycled's directory to browse partners by ZIP, or search the food assistance hub for your city.