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Host a Food Drive

Food drives provide the food for more than 800,000 nourishing meals every year. And that food has the power to transforms lives.

How to host a food drive

Food donations are one reason we’re able to provide more than over 30 million meals a year to almost half a million residents in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Hosting a drive is simple and only takes a few steps.

  1. Register to host a food drive
  2. Collect food donations from our list of the most wanted items
  3. Deliver your donations to the Capital Area Food Bank

Register

Food Drive Starter Kit

How to Conduct A Food Drive

Most Wanted List

Directions to CAFB

Dropping off your food donations

You can bring your unopened, non-perishable food donations to one of our two warehouses.

 

DC Distribution Center

4900 Puerto Rico Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20017
Please follow the food donation signs to make your dropoff.

Hours

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

NOVA Distribution Center

6833 Hill Park Drive
Lorton, VA 22079
Please go directly to the loading dock to make your dropoff.

Hours

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You can come to either of our warehouses during business hours and pick up as many collections boxes as needed, for free. Each box holds roughly 200 pounds of food.

Please look over our Most Wanted List. We prioritize nonperishable items that are low sugar, low sodium and high fiber (whole grain pasta, brown rice, 100% juices, low sodium canned veggies, etc.).

The Capital Area Food Bank is committed to providing good, healthy food that contributes to wellness. As a result, we will not accept candy, full-calorie sodas, or bakery items such as sheet cakes, cookies, and pies. Due to food safety regulations, we also are not able to accept prepared foods such as sandwiches, leftover meals from catered events, or sauces/jams made at home.

Our main focus and donation preference is food. However, we will not refuse donations of hygiene products, diapers, disposable utensils, etc.

While we love our furry friends, we do not accept pet food or supplies. If you are interested in donating these items, please reach out to your local animal rescue organization.

Please consider your dropoff as part of your donation. Due to gas prices, we are unable to pick-up your food drive donations unless absolutely necessary. If you collect more food than can fit in your car, first, pat yourself on the back. Second, call us at 202-644-9818 to schedule a pickup.