Food & Friends

Food & Friends is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. It is dedicated to improving the lives and health of individuals living with life-challenging illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious health conditions. Established in 1988, the organization has been a vital resource in the D.C. metropolitan area. It has delivered over 30 million meals to more than 47,000 individuals since its inception.

The core mission of Food & Friends is to provide medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling to those in need. Recognizing the critical role of nutrition in managing health, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems or undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, the organization offers specialized meal plans. These plans are designed to meet the unique dietary requirements of each client.

These meal options include diabetic, pureed, and vegetarian meals, ensuring clients receive the necessary nutrients to support their health and recovery. Services are offered free of charge to eligible individuals, with eligibility determined solely based on health status and nutritional needs. This approach ensures that all individuals facing serious health challenges have access to the support they need, regardless of their financial situation.

In addition to meal delivery, Food & Friends provides nutrition counseling and educational programs. Registered dietitians conduct initial assessments and offer ongoing support to help clients manage their health through diet.

The organization also hosts cooking classes and demonstrations that teach clients and caregivers how to prepare healthy meals at home. This empowers them to take control of their nutrition and well-being.

Service Area and Operations

Food & Friends operates across a vast service area, delivering meals six days a week to a region encompassing over 6,100 square miles. This includes:

• The District of Columbia
• Nine counties in Maryland
• Seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia

This extensive reach is supported by more than 10,000 volunteers and numerous generous donors who help fulfill the organization's mission.

Headquarters and Contact

Food & Friends is headquartered at 219 Riggs Road NE, Washington, D.C. 20011.

Locations

• Washington, DC, USA