Food Resources
CAFB Hunger Lifeline: (202) 639-9770
The Hunger Lifeline is an information and referral service of the Capital Area Food Bank that links those in need of emergency services to agencies in their area that can assist them. For immediate assistance on a food referral, please call (202) 639-9770 and ask to speak to the Hunger Lifeline Coordinator. Click here to visit the Hunger Lifeline page.
If you are in need of immediate food assistance and are unable to reach the Hunger Lifeline, please call the number below that corresponds with your location.
For District of Columbia residents:
Call 211 Answers, Please! at 211 to speak to a trained community resource advisor, or search the 211 Answers, Please! network of social service providers. Click here to go to 211 Answers, Please!
For Maryland residents:
- In Prince George’s County, please call either Help by Phone at (301)-699-9009, Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, or Prince George’s County Referral at (301) 909-6343. Click here to go to Prince George’s County Referral.
- In Montgomery County, please dial 311 to speak with a trained and knowledgeable professional. Click here to access the MC311 Answering to You website
For Northern Virginia Residents:
In Northern Virginia, please dial 211 to speak with a trained professional who will listen and offer resources. Click here to access Northern Virginia’s 2-1-1 website.
DC Food Finder
The DC Food Finder is an online interactive map that allows residents and service providers to locate nearby emergency food providers, low-cost groceries, free meals, farmers’ markets, nutrition education programs, and places to apply for programs such as food stamps, WIC and more. Click here to go to DC Food Finder
The Emergency Food, Shelter and Health Care Directory (EFSHCD)
This directory lists over 375 service providers and was recently expanded to include health care services for people in need throughout the Washington DC area. It also lists hotlines and social services. Click here to go to EFSHCD
Links to other organizations and programs that provide assistance.
BenefitsCheckup.org
Developed by the National Council on the Aging, this site provides a calculator for federal benefits available to seniors.
Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)
National hunger advocacy and research organization. The site contains extensive information about hunger policy, news and reports.
United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service
Federal agency that administers food stamps, school meals and the Emergency Food Assistance Program. The site features publications, participation requirements and program data.
Women, Infants and Children
A supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children under 5. Below are the websites to the local WIC programs.
