Spent some time this morning as part of the DMVDoes/Facebook initiative as spearheaded by founder…read moreJennifer Ward. There were 42 of us all volunteering to create and pack boxes of assorted canned/packaged food for 1.5 hours, followed by a tour of the facility. The place is HUGE and feeds 1 million people annually and some 60 million meals. While I didn't stick around for the tour, I will volunteer again. It was a phenomenal and rewarding experience knowing we were preparing food to feed the food-insecure throughout the DMV.

If you've taken the Metro to Brookland, you'll pass a 123-square-foot distribution center. Along…read morethe railroad tracks in Michigan Park, Capital Area Food Bank started in 1980 on MLK's birthday, before MLK Day was a federal holiday, to help feed those who need it most in the D.C. area. Fast forward to today, Capital Area Food Bank feeds 60 million meals a year through direct distribution and non-profit partners. They are like the Costco of food banks where non-profits like Martha's Table get their meals to hand out locally. If you're looking for volunteer opportunities, Capital Area Food Bank hosts two groups a day Tuesday through Saturday to help organize food donated at their distribution center. It's a massive warehouse with heavy equipment so you have to be 12 and older to volunteer. Once inside and trained, you'll notice inspiring murals and art inside walking guests through the work. Outside is a working garden with an outdoor kitchen with a pizza oven to help teach youth about nutrition. Capital Area Food Bank is making an impact on the D.C. area!

Volunteered today and had a good time in the warehouse, packing boxes to be sent to shelters. We…read moremoved so fast that we finished the shift in 2 hours!

I had the amazing opportunity of volunteering here w the Lockheed Martin special projects team back…read morein the fall and I'm looking forward to many more personal volunteer experiences during weekends of dedicating time to such a great cause. Maryland Food Bank thrives off of weekend volunteer hours for packers in their conveyor belt area to box canned goods and boxed foods as they'd otherwise have to bill these hours to payroll. I enjoyed myself and even got in a little cardio as the belt moved more and more foodstuffs through. I was in charge of canned veggies and boy were there lots of them. It was a good time and I can't wait to go back!

I came here to volunteer during the third shift with fellow BU alum last night. It was a great…read moreexperience, and even though less than half the group who signed up showed up, we were able to finish our task 45 minutes ahead of schedule. This is a state of the art food bank, and David really knows his way around and talks fast. When I first arrived, everyone was super friendly. They acknowledged me and offered me water and coffee even though I was here to volunteer. David talked with me for a few minutes before the group arrived. It was nice that he was so engaged with the volunteers and kept encouraging us to bring people who needed volunteer hours to volunteer their time here. As for the volunteer work we did. We sorted out snacks and candys. Snacks were packed in brown boxes, taped up, and labeled "Snacks." On the other hand, candy was packaged in Chiquita banana boxes. The banana boxes were larger than the brown boxes and because the components were smaller, it took more effort to fill up. We also received a quick tour of the facility and learned that items are purchased at $0.19/lb. The Capital Area Foodbank also accepts non food donations. I saw a box labeled "Xmas" as well as bikes in the storage area. There are loading docks for tractor trailers to come and drop off donations. From the size of the facility, it looks like there are great donations but more would always be appreciated. I would highly recommend people volunteering here, either individually or in groups.

I had to stop getting stuff from there. There was a lady who was very rude to me and my staff…read morealways, she used to be at the front desk. If we are 5 minutes late she will not let us get the stuff. I complained but as usual happens nothing happened and we ended up going there. I will try to remember her name sicnr it's been a while now that we don't go there.

The DC Diaper Bank provides families across the DMV with essentials such as diapers, formula,…read moreclothes, and personal hygiene products. I first came in contact with the organization and the work they did during last year's government shutdown. I really felt for the parents not knowing when their next paycheck was coming in and the fear of not being able to pay for the items that their baby needs. I learned more about the organization and found out that while they have a large depot in the city but they have many partners in DC, MD and Va that help them distribute items to the people who need them. Because of coronavirus, it is the first time in years that the diaper bank's warehouse has been stripped completely empty. The need for donations is great and the need does not look like it will lessen anytime soon. If you have the ability to donate, you can send items to them directly through their Amazon wishlist (https://smile.amazon.com/baby-reg/greaterdcdiaperbank--january-2020-silverspring/32BHD0GQPV4IX), through a donation, or by giving your time. If you need help you can see if there is a distribution hub near you here: https://greaterdcdiaperbank.org/our-programs/diaperhubs/ Thank you to the people at DC Diaper Bank for helping parents and families everywhere!

I contacted them to donate some old but very good furniture. I arranged the pick up a week in…read moreadvance and the morning of the pick up I called and spoke with the driver who said he'd call 45 minutes before he was headed to pick up my things (as I requested). He did not call. At 5:30 pm as we were leaving the house he showed up, no apology, and just as we were preparing to leave. They serve indigent clients and yet they turned up his nose at many of our pieces and rejected them because there was a stain on the wood or a knob missing. I was shocked they would deny poor people items for such trivial reasons. Overall not impressed with the lack of courtesy or appreciation. I'll go with Goodwill.

From the owner: Free food pantry read more

This IS a wonderful place -- helpful people, good selections of foodstuff -- but the 3 or 4…read moredumpsters in that immediate area STINK and the stench is intolerable, whether you are just walking to the entrance - or even worse - waiting in place for the doors to open

Listen, you sign up for this, you get free food. It helps people who are in need, so if you're low…read moreincome, have SNAP/TANF benefits I highly recommend you utilize this service. Excellent Volunteer program as well. Thank you all for all you do.

There are two parts to DC Central Kitchen at Buzzard Point. The first part is a full center where…read morepeople can volunteer to help pack food, etc. The facility is newer so it's clean and nice. There's even a lobby for volunteers with cold water, places to sit, and more. The second part is a cafe that's open every day that sells coffee drinks, food, and snacks. I ordered the chai latte with an espresso shot and it was strong and tasty. They also sell sandwiches, lunch deals, Just Tea, and more. There's plenty of seating inside and a few seats outdoors along the sidewalk.

DC Central Kitchen serves fresh, satisfying meals that prove cafeteria-style food can still be…read moredelicious. The menu offers a variety of well-prepared options made with quality ingredients, and the portions are generous for the price. Whether you're stopping by for breakfast or lunch, it's a reliable spot for a flavorful meal that also supports a great cause.