Help deliver holiday cheer to a neighbor in need! 🎁 Explore our Holiday Giving Catalog today.
Close
✕

Give the Gift of Healing and Hope

Explore our 2024 Holiday Giving Catalog to bring joy and nourishment to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses.

Give Now

Who
We are

The only community-based organization in the DC region providing home-delivered medically tailored meals and nutrition therapy to our neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses.

Learn More

What
We Do

With the help of volunteers, Food & Friends prepares and delivers nutritionally tailored, delicious meals directly to our neighbors' homes. Our community dietitians and professional chefs work closely to provide individualized services to our clients.

Learn More

Who
We Serve

Food & Friends provides meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses. All meals and services are free-of-charge to the client, their dependents, and caregivers.

Learn more

Virtual Tour of Food & Friends

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look!

Watch Video
5,500+
freshly prepared meals delivered a day
130,000+
freshly prepared meals delivered per month
“To this day, I do not know what I would have done without Food & Friends.”
Carl Witte, Client
"They came through because I love fruit. And once you go to the store these days, fruit is expensive. So, I liked that."
Kevin Pinkett, Client
“Food & Friends was, and still is, as important to me as the doctors. That tells you how big a difference they made. They never missed a date. You were still connected with people when you couldn't be, so it was a total physical and emotional support.”
Mary Freesland, Client
“I like the selection of food, it is catered to my medical needs. I do not have to worry about anything. My diabetes is coming down, and my A1C came down several points. I don't have to worry about what I am going to eat for dinner, and I don't have to worry about what my children eat for dinner."
Angela Beatty, Client
“I get on some of the webinars and it's a wealth of information. I get recipes on how to do certain things, how to use certain foods like the turkey burgers and chicken fillets. I'm just really astounded that the program does as much as it does.”
Michael Fauntleroy, Client
Food & Friends' healthy meals were a reminder of her childhood in St. Thomas, "The oregano, and thyme, and the fennel. It is like just reconnecting with flavors I had not eaten for many years."
Margaret Patterson, Client
“My dad was so giving. If he would have had the opportunity to come here, he would say, ‘continue to help those who can't help themselves, like I was.’”
Bobby Francis, Client
“You can tell when something is packaged with love, it looks professional, it is always appetizing. My mom can choose what she wants to eat. Her A1C levels have improved, and that has a lot to do with nutrition. Food & Friends has really helped her balance out her health, and it has helped me out a lot as a caregiver. I am so thankful we found it,”
Richelle Hewins, Caregiver and Angela Hewins
"I have good days and bad days. but thanks to Food & Friends, I know I am not alone. They are so dependable and friendly. Food & Friends ensures I have a nutritious balanced meal. I initially lost 40 pounds, but with the help of Food & Friends, I have gained back 20 pounds already."
Nathaniel Reed, Client
"I have gotten more out of it than I ever put into it. Doing volunteer service at Food & Friends has been a blessing in my life. I am not quitting."
Bill Wooge, Core Volunteer
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Woe has been afraid to go to the grocery store. Even though she is triple vaccinated, with congestive heart failure, COVID-19 could be fatal. Having deliveries from Food & Friends means she is safer in the comfort of her home and neighborhood. She also is experiencing mobility issues but still walks to her mailbox every day, and enjoys the weather on her patio. Thanks to our generous donors, we are making it a little easier for Woe and helping her have more time to spend with her loving grandkids.  See below for Wealthea's full story!
Wealthea Lynch, Client
“It was like we were handed the missing piece of the puzzle. Your volunteers are so caring and nonjudgmental. The food is wonderful. And though I still feel like I’m on a roller coaster with my health, your meals have helped me get stronger. I want you to tell your supporters that everything they do adds up. Food & Friends is an absolute godsend.” See below for Christine's full story!
Christine, Client
Having delivered to 1,198 client homes in 2018 alone, and driven over 2,200 miles, the quality and the quantity of her dedication know no bounds. See below for Gwena's full story!
Gwena Mason, Volunteer
“I appreciate each and every one of you. I know what it’s like to stand on your feet all day and prepare things for the community. Maryland, D.C., Virginia, all the communities you’re trying to support. It’s not an easy job. I understand that. I love all of you.” See below for Lyniss' full story!
Lyniss Guildford, Client
“Food & Friends is such a huge blessing in my life! The meals are delicious, healthy and properly portioned so that I not only feel full, I feel good knowing that I am eating fresh fruits and vegetables and not fast, or processed foods. Food & Friends allows me peace of mind.” See below for Vickie's full story!
Vickie, Client
Andrew is just one of many individuals who benefits from Food & Friends and the generosity of our community of volunteers and supporters. Watch Andrew's full story below!
Andrew, Client
"There’s all those hands ensuring that we have humans that care about us. And they don’t have to know we who we, and we don’t care if they know who we are. We’re just so grateful and proud." See below for Susan's full story!
Susan, Caregiver
“When I was younger, my parents always taught me ‘be kind and help others,’ and that little voice just resonated in my brain over the years. If I can do it, you can do it. All it takes is just one. One signs up, then someone else signs up, and then it blossoms into a major effort.” See below for Joan's full story!
Joan, Volunteer and Donor
“When you have cancer, you feel bad enough as it is - Your self-esteem is low. You are living with uncertainty about the future. A good meal is not only a boost to your confidence but a comfort like nothing else.” See below for Connie's full story!
Connie Folk, Client
"Volunteering makes me feel connected to the community and connected to my brother who is no longer with us." See below for Fleur and Carol's full story!
Fleur and Carol Bresler, Volunteers and Donors

latest news from
food & friends

Media Recap: Thanksgiving at Food & Friends 2024

Thanksgiving at Food & Friends is a cherished tradition in the Washington region, made possible each year by the dedication of hundreds of volunteers and the generosity of our community.
Read More

Food & Friends Mobilizes 320+ Volunteers to Deliver Thanksgiving Dinners to 4,500 Neighbors with Serious Illnesses

Over 320 volunteers and staff will come together to prepare and deliver fresh Thanksgiving dinners to neighbors with life-challenging illnesses and their families.
Read More

Food & Friends Expands Coverage to Neighbors Living with Sickle Cell Disease

Through a new partnership with the Howard University Center for Sickle Cell Disease, Food & Friends will provide free medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to D.C. area neighbors living with sickle cell disease and their families.
Read More

Become A Volunteer

At Food & Friends we have many different volunteer opportunities that can fit your busy schedule and interests. Help us deliver hope, one meal at a time.
Read More

Become A Donor

We believe that anyone can get sick, and everyone can help. You can deliver health and hope with a gift today!
Donate Now

Refer A Client

Referring a client is easy. To receive services, clients must have a qualifying illness, provide a note from their doctor or insurance provider and complete the intake form.
Learn More

Our History

1988
2022
  •  
    1988
  •  1989
  •  1990
  •  1991
  •  1992
  •  1993
  •  1994
  •  1995
  •  1996
  •  1997
  •  1998
  •  1999
  •  2000
  •  2001
  •  2002
  •  2003
  •  2004
  •  2005
  •  2006
  •  2007
  •  2008
  •  2009
  •  2010
  •  2011
  •  2012
  •  2013
  •  2014
  •  2015
  •  2016
  •  2017
  •  2018
  •  2019
  •  2020
  •  2021
  •  2022

1988

Reverend Carla Gorrell meets with leaders of Westminster Presbyterian Church to discuss their vision for a home-delivered meal service for people with AIDS. A few contributors provide start-up funds and 21 area restaurants donate meals to be delivered – one meal a day, five days a week. The Westminster Presbyterian Church donates kitchen and office space to launch the project. The World Health Organization (WHO) declares December 1st to be the first World AIDS Day.

1989

In May, Food & Friends incorporates as a nonprofit and begins preparing its own meals from the church kitchen. Already sensing the great need for its services, Food & Friends’ Board of Directors begins planning to acquire and install commercial kitchen equipment to increase the organization’s capacity.

1990

With six staff members and the addition of neighborhood drop-off sites, service is extended to Northern Virginia and suburban Maryland. A computer system is added to help manage client records and delivery schedules. A dedicated group of 200 volunteers now deliver about 65 meals a day to 210 clients.

1991

The staff continues to increase and the kitchen becomes busier, increasing the “evening prep” session from three to five nights a week. To support this growth, Chef David Hagedorn creates the first Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction. Held at the West End CafĂ©, 12 chefs helped to raise $45,000. 350 volunteers deliver to 14 routes.

1992

Food & Friends expands services again, adding Saturday deliveries. Deliveries now include HIV+ residents at two homeless shelters. The volunteer base increases to 475 volunteers delivering to 25 routes. AIDS becomes the number one cause of death for U.S. men ages 25-44.

1993

A registered dietitian is hired to provide nutrition counseling to clients. Also, recognizing the grim reality that clients with children are passing the food delivered on to their kids, Food & Friends begins providing services to all dependents in the household.

1994

Food & Friends begins to outgrow the space in Westminster Presbyterian Church, and the Board adopts a strategic plan to move to a larger facility. A warehouse is located a few blocks from the church and renovation begins. Food & Friends also grows geographically, extending service to Prince William County.

1995

Carla Gorrell leaves Food & Friends and Craig Shniderman is hired as Executive Director. The new facility renovation is completed in July, and the staff moves to 58 L Street, SE. Seeking to provide services to an ever-widening geographic area, Groceries-to-Go – a weekly delivery of shelf-stable items – is created for clients who cannot be reached on a daily basis. By the end of the year, 500,000 cases of AIDS have been reported in the U.S.

1996

On March 29th, Food & Friends delivers its 1,000,000th meal. With the quick growth of Groceries-to-Go, the delivery area expands to more than 5,000 square miles. More than 1,900 people ride their bikes from Philadelphia to Washington, DC in the first AIDSRide, raising net funds of $793,000. 700 volunteers deliver to 75 clients every day.

1997

Nutrition education and counseling is expanded with the addition of a second full-time dietitian. The staff now totals 42, complemented by a volunteer base of 750. The year ends on a high note when Vice President and Mrs. Gore visit Food & Friends on World AIDS Day.

1998

Food & Friends celebrates ten years of service to the community and, once again, expands its services. A collaboration with Pediatric AIDS Care was launched to provide an after-school food program for children with HIV/AIDS or who have siblings with HIV/AIDS.

1999

Using new technology and kitchen equipment, Food & Friends switches from hot meal deliveries to chilled meal deliveries that could be reheated. This keeps the food safer and more appetizing for clients. Large walk-in refrigerators and insulated delivery bags become familiar items at Food & Friends. Food & Friends continues to increase clients outside of DC.

2000

On Valentine’s Day, a pilot project called “Special Delivery” is launched to provide meal delivery services to people with breast cancer. The immediate success of the project leads the Board of Directors to officially expand the mission to include cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. The Board also approves the initiation of a Capital Campaign to raise the funds needed to construct a larger and permanent facility.

2001

Food & Friends expands geographically again, adding the city of Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland for grocery deliveries. A 2.5-acre piece of land in northeast Washington, DC is located as a potential site for the new facility. For the first time in Food & Friends’ history, more than 1 million meals are delivered in a single year. The Pink Ribbon Delivery Program was created, thanks to the Avon Foundation for Women, to improve the care of women and men living with cancer and their families.

2002

Land at 219 Riggs Road, NE is purchased. Gensler, the world’s largest commercial architectural firm, develops building designs and a groundbreaking ceremony is held. The Avon Foundation announces a $750,000 gift to the Capital Campaign, the largest private gift made to date.

2003

The year of the battle against Mother Nature begins with a blizzard that dumps 18 inches of snow on the Washington, DC area. During the storm, Food & Friends perseveres and delivers meals to every client. In September, as Hurricane Isabel approaches, Food & Friends again makes sure every client is well-cared for and has the food he or she needs.

2004

With challenge grants from the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation and the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation, Food & Friends completes the Capital Campaign, raising nearly $8.9 million for the new facility. Operations officially begin from the new building in October.

2005

Food & Friends takes on a leadership role in a lobbying effort to include “nutrition services” language in Ryan White CARE Act Reauthorization. The effort leads to the listing of Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) as a core service in the Act and that HIV/AIDS Education Centers include nutrition faculty and dietetics professionals among those eligible for training. The volunteer base grows to 3,500 people.

2006

Food & Friends conducts an impact study regarding the benefits of specialized nutrition, working with two Emerson Hunger Fellows. The results of the study demonstrate that comprehensive nutrition support is an effective and necessary supplement to medical treatment. It is found that Food & Friends’ nutrition services help patients manage disease and achieve improved health outcomes.

2007

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty delivers the 10,000,000th meal to a client during a special ceremony at Food & Friends. The Home-Delivered Meals program is expanded to remote residents beyond the Beltway in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland, completing the first year of the Maryland Expansion Project by serving a total of 117,196 meals to 282 persons in this geographic area.

2008

A formal Service Learning Program is created thanks to a $1 million multi-year gift from The Charlotte’s Web Foundation. This gift remains the largest private contribution received by Food & Friends. AT&T donates a $295,000 multi-year grant to the Service Learning Program which expanded programming to DC public schools.

2009

Food & Friends launches Capacity2, a new delivery schedule for clients participating in the Home-Delivered Meals program. Clients now receive double portions three days per week instead of six daily deliveries, creating flexibility for clients and improving efficiency.

2010

On Christmas Day, Food & Friends is featured on CNN as part of the "Giving in Focus" hour-long special. The Food & Friends segment is played several times, including on CNN's American Morning and CNN Newsroom on December 30th.

2011

Food & Friends receives a $450,000, three year grant from CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, which provides clients in the Groceries-to-Go program with fresh produce. The grant makes it possible to deliver more than 40,000 bags of fruits and vegetables.

2012

In recognition of the rapidly growing population in Montgomery County, an expanded referral partnership is developed with Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. This partnership will add an additional 50,000 meals in 2013. And, to more effectively serve those with HIV/AIDS, eligibility requirements are broadened to account for secondary illnesses worsened by a client’s status.

2013

President Obama volunteers at Food & Friends as part of the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. The president packed meals for Food & Friends clients alongside dozens of volunteers, saying, "I want to make sure we encourage everyone out there to volunteer in their own communities."

2014

Food & Friends launches a diabetes pilot study in partnership with The George Washington University Hospital. The pilot provides specialized meal delivery, nutrition education and health assessments for individuals in the Washington, DC region with poorly-managed type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications.

2015

The 25th Anniversary Chef's Best Dinner & Auction raises a record-breaking $1.1 million dollars for Food & Friends' services. The event featured more than 50 chefs, with over 1,400 guests in attendance. Since it's inception in 1991, Chef's Best has raised over $15 million in critical funds, thanks to the incredible support of individual and corporate sponsors, and the restaurant community.

2016

Food & Friends serves it 20 millionth meal. The meals now provided to clients not only with essential nourishment, but are carefully developed to improve health outcomes and overall well being. Food & Friends dietitians and chefs work together to shift meal plans toward the Mediterranean Diet, focusing on fresh vegetables, whole grains and healthy oils and fats, and lean meats and seafood.

2017

Food & Friends receives a $2 million gift commitment for Fleur, Sidney and Phyllis Bresler, and the Bresler Foundation, Inc., the largest multi-year gift in the organization's history. In recognition of this transformational gift, Food & Friends' beloved building is named the "William P. Bresler Building" in honor of Fleur's late son Bill, a former volunteer and client. 

2018

In an effort to reach new populations in need, Food & Friends partners with AmeriHealth Caritas DC to provide nutritionally tailored meals to expectant moms with high-risk pregnancies. This comes on the heels of an expansion to serve adults and children with poorly-controlled diabetes. Long-time Executive Director Craig Shniderman retires after more than 23 years. 

2019

In March of 2019, Food & Friends extends its eligibility requirements to include six additional illnesses - congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, Parkinson's, cardiopulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD), multiple sclerosis, and ALS. Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH, takes over as Executive Director following 15 years of service at Food & Friends. 

2020

COVID-19 presents an enormous challenge for Food & Friends. Its clients are some of the most at-risk individuals for the virus and demand for home-delivered meals spikes. Volunteer numbers must be cut in half for physical distancing. Tremendous community support makes the year a success; Food & Friends is able to meet demand and stay open throughout the pandemic.

2021

Amid a global health pandemic, philanthropist Brad Clark donated $5 million to Food & Friends. Brad Clark’s investment was the largest gift in Food & Friends’ 33-year history and will impact tens of thousands of people in the coming years. We believe in a community where everyone who is seriously ill has the nourishment they need to manage their illness. Brad’s investment will ensure our operations continue reaching the most vulnerable in our community and have set the stage for significant program growth and expansion.

2022

Food & Friends reached a new plateau, preparing and home-delivering 1.65 million medically tailored meals, stretching the capacities of the building facilities. By leveraging technology, and a newly launched flagship website, our nutrition education achieved outstanding growth. In 2022, 300% more neighbors with serious illnesses participated in the virtual programming offered by our team of registered dietitians. Even while responding to surging demand amid supply chain challenges, and high food costs, the positive outcomes for those we served were exceptional: 84% of clients reported improved health.

Find Out How
you can help

Join the movement to provide medically tailored meals and nutrition services to our neighbors living with serious illnesses. Anyone can get sick, and everyone can help.