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How to Get Meals and Nutrition Counseling

Determination of eligibility is entirely health-based; we have no requirements for income or insurance coverage. All meals are free-of-charge to the client. All clients must be referred by a healthcare provider.

Services We Provide

Food & Friends provides medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses.

Medically tailored meals

Monday through Saturday, Food & Friends delivers medically tailored, delicious, meals directly to our clients’ homes. Our community dietitians and professional chefs work closely to provide individualized services to our clients. 

Medically Tailored Groceries

Medically Tailored Groceries, delivered every two weeks, is a service that includes fresh produce, frozen meats such as fish and poultry, and pantry items. 

Nutrition Counseling

We consider nutrition to be a vital part of the treatment for our clients. Our community dietitians provide personalized nutrition counseling and meal plans to address each client’s nutritional needs. Together with our staff of professional chefs, they developed 12 different meal plans to meet those different needs.

WHERE WE SERVE

Six days a week, 52 weeks a year, Food & Friends ensures that our clients never miss a meal. Our service area spans 6,172 square miles and includes all of DC, 9 counties in Maryland and 7 counties and 6 independent cities in Virginia.

We serve the following regions:

District of Columbia: All Wards

Maryland: Allegany County, Calvert County, Charles County, Frederick County, Garrett County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County and Washington County

Virginia: Arlington County, Fairfax County, King George County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania County and Stafford County, City of Alexandria, City of Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park

Eligibility

Food & Friends provides meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses. Determination of eligibility is entirely health-based; Food & Friends has no requirements for income or insurance coverage. All meals are free-of-charge to the client. Food & Friends clients must be referred by a healthcare provider.

To be eligible for our services, one must have a qualifying illness or be receiving hospice care, have a compromised nutritional status, and a limited ability to prepare his/her own meals.

Qualifying illnesses include: HIV/AIDS, cancer, poorly-controlled diabetes, stage 5 renal disease, congestive heart failure (NYHA class III or IV), chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder “COPD” (stage III or IV), multiple sclerosis (RRPS, SPMS, PPMS), ALS (middle or late stages), Parkinson’s (Stage III, IV or V) and Cystic Fibrosis. Anyone currently in hospice care is qualified to become a client, regardless of their illness.

If you are not eligible for Food & Friends’ service but need food assistance, please call 1-800-349-8323 (Washington, DC); 240-777-1755 (Montgomery County, MD); or 301-883-6627 (Prince George’s County, MD).

“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
The services offered by Food & Friends; groceries-to-go, nutritional counseling and nutrition tips are a state of my healing; my complete physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing; and not merely the absence of disease.
Donna Lawson, Client
Prior to the pandemic, everything was going great for area-native Deb Whalen. Deb, and her wife of 30 years Stephanie, were making big plans for an upcoming vacation. Deb was also looking forward to moving into her new office at the beautiful new headquarters her company was building. Spirits were high on her entire system […]
Debbie Whalen, Caregiver
"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
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
“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
"When I was first diagnosed with HIV, I felt very much alone. But being out here and seeing the support groups that I have like Food & Friends, I don't feel alone anymore. I feel like someone cares." Watch Donna's full story below!
Donna, Client
"Food & Friends gave me so much joy - I have exactly what I need." Watch Yvette's full story below!
Yvette, Client
“I contacted other organizations, but there were waiting lists and red tape. At Food & Friends, I know what I’m getting and know that it’s good for me – and that gives me peace of mind.” See below for Anthony's full story!
Anthony Seymore, Client
"[at Food & Friends, I am] treated like a member of the family by everyone from the police officer who greets you at the door with a big smile to the nutritionist who gives you a warm hug to fellow clients who meet over cooking classes. Food & Friends provides two critical ingredients: hope and health.” See below for SaVanna's full story!
SaVanna Wanzer, 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
“I am able to sustain my ability to function every day. I am just so grateful that Food & Friends is there for people who have chronic diseases like myself.” Watch Belinda's full story below!
Balinda, Client
In 2010, Denise was diagnosed with a rare blood disease that required chemotherapy treatments. With four children, graduate school courses, frequent hospital visits and a lack of income due to job loss, food was a major hurdle in Denise's life. Watch Denise's full story below!
Denise, Client
"I know that one of the reasons why I'm here is because of all of you and what you so selflessly did for me with your heart. What you gave, I could never say thank you enough." Watch Pam's full story below!
Pam, Client
“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

INTAKE FORMS

Food & Friends provides meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to people living with life-challenging illnesses. Determination of eligibility is entirely health-based; Food & Friends has no requirements for income or insurance coverage. All meals are free-of-charge to the client. Food & Friends clients must be referred by a healthcare provider.

Please fax forms to: (202) 635-4261

Intake Form
Referral partners can refer a patient using the intake form below
Download
Recertification Form
Referral partners can recertify a current patient using the intake form below
Download

Updates for Referrers

Referral Partner FAQs

Browse our frequently asked questions to learn more about who is eligible for Food & Friends medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling, how to refer individuals with serious illnesses, and a detailed list of answers about our services.

As a member of the national Food is Medicine Coalition (FIMC), our programs reflect the latest research and best practices in the field of medical nutrition therapy.

Additional Resources

For more information on becoming a client or our partnerships please view the helpful links below.

Get In Touch

Interested in referring a client or partnering with us? Please find all contact information here: