News Archive - Food & Friends

Washingtonian Magazine Spotlights Food Is Medicine

Food & Friends is proud to be featured in Washingtonian Magazine’s February 2026 issue, which takes a closer look at the growing Food Is Medicine movement and the role nutrition plays in improving health outcomes across the region.

The article explores how medically tailored meals are becoming an essential part of healthcare, especially for people managing serious and chronic illnesses. Washingtonian highlights how Food & Friends works alongside healthcare providers to ensure that neighbors facing health challenges receive meals designed to meet their specific medical and nutritional needs. Rather than treating food as an afterthought, the piece underscores a simple but powerful idea: when food is part of the care plan, people can heal better, manage symptoms more effectively, and maintain dignity during difficult moments.

The story also places Food & Friends’ work within a broader shift happening nationwide, as more health systems and policymakers recognize that access to nutritious, medically appropriate food can reduce hospitalizations and improve quality of life. Through real-world examples and expert perspectives, the article shows how this approach is already making a difference right here in the DC region.

We’re grateful to Washingtonian for shining a light on this important work and for helping elevate the conversation around Food Is Medicine at a critical moment.

Click here to read the full article and learn more about how Food & Friends is leading the way in using food to support health and healing.

Food & Friends Delivers to 880 Neighbors in Need Ahead of Major Snow Storm

Ahead of a major winter storm, Food & Friends’ community came together to ensure more than 880 neighbors in need would have their medically tailored meals or groceries on time.

See coverage below from NBC4.

Food & Friends is a nonprofit that relies on donations from supporters. To learn how you can volunteer during the next major weather event and help your neighbors in need, learn more at https://foodandfriends.org/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/.

Award Winning Pisco y Nazca’s Chef Mauricio Chirinos to Lead Food & Friends’ Chef’s Best 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 21, 2026) – Food & Friends, the Washington, D.C. region’s leading provider of medically tailored meals for neighbors living with life-challenging illnesses, is proud to announce Chef Mauricio Chirinos of Pisco y Nazca Ceviche Gastrobar as the Chef Chair of the 33rd Annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction, taking place June 8, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.

One of the region’s most anticipated culinary events, Chef’s Best brings together top chefs, mixologists, and community leaders to support Food & Friends’ mission to deliver medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition counseling to individuals living with serious illnesses. As Chef Chair, Chef Chirinos will serve as a culinary ambassador for the event, helping to rally the region’s vibrant food community around the belief that food is medicine.

Chef Chirinos is widely celebrated for his bold, soulful approach to Spanish and Peruvian cuisine at Pisco y Nazca, where vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and cultural storytelling are at the heart of every dish. With an academic background in sociology, Chef Chirinos brings a unique perspective to the kitchen, one rooted in connection, culture, and community. In 2025, he was honored by the Embassy of Peru and received the Promotion and Diffusion of Peruvian Culture in the United States Award, as a symbol of appreciation for his role in sharing Peruvian heritage with the local community.

“Food is more than nourishment, it’s care, dignity, and connection,” said Chef Chirinos. “Food & Friends embodies everything I believe about the power of food to heal and bring people together. I’m honored to serve as Chef Chair for Chef’s Best and to support an organization that ensures everyone, no matter their health challenges, has access to nutritious, life-sustaining meals.”

Chef Mauricio poses with colleagues at Chef’s Best 2025

“Chef Mauricio’s passion for food as a tool for healing and connection makes him an incredible leader for this year’s Chef’s Best,” said Carrie Stoltzfus, Chief Executive Officer of Food & Friends. “His culinary talent, generosity of spirit, and commitment to community perfectly reflect our mission and the heart of this event.”

Chef’s Best is expected to raise $1 million to support Food & Friends’ programs across the D.C. region. The Chef’s Best Leadership Committee, which raises sponsorship funds, is co-chaired by board member Joe Maloney, President and CEO of Sports Betting Alliance and Kate Abel, Director of Political Programs at Merck.

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 33rd Annual Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction will be available soon.

To learn more about Chef’s Best and Food & Friends’ mission, visit https://foodandfriends.org/engage/chefs-best/. Chefs and mixologists interested in participating in Chef’s Best can learn more and sign up here.

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About Food & Friends

Food & Friends is the Washington, D.C. region’s leading authority on Food is Medicine and the only community-based organization delivering medically tailored meals and providing medical nutrition therapy to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional needs, including for their dependents and caregivers. Monday through Saturday, staff and volunteers deliver across 6,172 square miles including the District of Columbia, nine counties in Maryland, and seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia. Nearly 2 million meals will be delivered to more than 5,800 individuals in 2026. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 32.6 million meals to 53,500 individuals. The organization is accredited by the national Food is Medicine Coalition.

For more information, visit FoodAndFriends.org or Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn.

About Pisco y Nazca

Pisco y Nazca is a vibrant Peruvian-inspired gastrobar by Centurion Restaurant Group offering a unique dining experience that combines bold, authentic flavors with a modern twist. The restaurant offers a diverse menu of ceviches, tapas, craft cocktails, and more in a lively, Peruvian-inspired setting. With multiple locations across the region and country, including three in the Miami, FL area, Pisco y Nazca is dedicated to providing guests with a memorable experience that blends the rich culinary traditions of Peru with a social, dynamic atmosphere. For more information, visit piscoynazca.com.

Media Contact

Cameron Whitaker
Director of Communications
Email: cwhitaker@foodandfriends.org
Phone: O: (202) 269-6875; C: (281) 635-7418

Community Champion Fernando Garcia Elected to Lead Food & Friends Board of Directors

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 17, 2025) – Food & Friends, the region’s leading provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition services for individuals living with serious illnesses, today announced the appointment of Fernando Garcia as President of its Board of Directors for a term of two years. This leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment for the organization, as Food & Friends continues to increase its meal production to respond to a growing need for nutrition support across the Washington, D.C. region for people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and other serious illnesses.

Fernando’s connection to Food & Friends spans more than two decades and reflects a deep, personal commitment to the organization’s mission. Shortly after arriving in Washington, D.C., he began supporting Food & Friends through AIDS Rides, later transitioning to hands-on service as a Thursday-afternoon kitchen volunteer beginning in 2010 and continuing today. Over the years, he has dedicated time and leadership to Food & Friends’ signature fundraising event—Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction, serving on the event Leadership Committee, including as co-chair in 2019.

“Food & Friends is incredibly grateful to have such compassionate and talented leaders who bring a diverse set of experiences to our board of directors, said Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH, CEO of Food & Friends. “Fernando understands Food & Friends not just from the boardroom, but from the kitchen floor. He has volunteered, fundraised, led, and listened—and that perspective is invaluable as we expand our medically tailored meal services to more neighbors in need and deepen our impact across the region.”

As Vice President at RLAH | @properties and a previous member of its Management Advisory Group, Fernando is known throughout the metropolitan region for his integrity, skill, and client-centered approach, having helped individuals and families achieve home ownership for more than twenty years. In 2018, Fernando joined Food & Friends’ Board of Directors and most recently has since served as Chair of the Nominating Committee, helping to shape and strengthen the organization’s volunteer leadership. Fernando’s collaborative spirit, financial acumen, and deep understanding of the community Food & Friends serves position him to help guide the organization at a pivotal moment of growth, ensuring its mission remains strong as it expands to meet rising regional need.

“It is an honor to serve as Board President for an organization that has shaped my life for more than two decades,” said Garcia. “I am excited to help lead Food & Friends as we grow our capacity and reach more neighbors who need us now more than ever. This organization was started to fill a gap not just in nutrition, but in compassion, and that’s what I hold in my heart.”

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About Food & Friends

Food & Friends is the Washington, D.C. region’s leading authority on Food is Medicine and the only community-based organization delivering medically tailored meals and providing medical nutrition therapy to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional needs, including for their dependents and caregivers. Monday-Saturday, staff and volunteers deliver to 6,172 square miles including the District of Columbia, nine counties in Maryland, and seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia. Nearly 2 million meals will be delivered to more than 5,800 individuals in 2026. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 32.6 million meals to 53,500 individuals. The organization is accredited by the national Food is Medicine Coalition.

For more information, visit FoodAndFriends.org or Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Cameron Whitaker
Director of Communications
Email: cwhitaker@foodandfriends.org
Phone: (202) 269-6875

Media Recap: Thanksgiving at Food & Friends 2025

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. This year, over 320 volunteers came together to deliver 4,725 Thanksgiving meals to 945 seriously ill neighbors and their families, spreading hope, warmth, and cheer to those who need it most.

Explore our roundup of news stories and photos to witness the hard work of our volunteers and the joy shared by our community this Thanksgiving. Thank you to our premier sponsor Wegmans Food Markets for making this heartwarming celebration possible!

WJLA: Volunteers deliver over 4,600 Thanksgiving meals to those with serious illnesses in DC

https://wjla.com/news/local/thanksgiving-volunteers-northeast-dc-prepare-deliver-over-4600-dinners-food-holiday-people-with-cancer-hiv-aids-serious-illnesses-medically-tailored-meals-in-need-mayor-bowser-chef-tradition

WTOP: Volunteers make sure families facing serious illness have a happy Thanksgiving

https://wtop.com/dc/2025/11/volunteers-make-sure-families-facing-serious-illness-have-a-happy-thanksgiving/

DC News Now: Volunteers pack thousands of Thanksgiving dinners for those battling illness

https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/local-news/washington-dc/volunteers-pack-thousands-of-thanksgiving-dinners-for-those-battling-illness/

Yahoo News: Volunteers pack thousands of Thanksgiving dinners for those battling illness

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/volunteers-pack-thousands-thanksgiving-dinners-213904150.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABP2z3bHxHV1M7RZunp75Zsk3IY7uHXqR12256AiT1GRaSwpEx4Aq2DBLYrus_DlwE6MEt3BYOR8-DwxKczFCGKByXUcdpNWEKv12sOt-FLORiHXpMJ4gNeJ2NItNqpsblkfUmFSs5URAU_lvMebw0XZs72KItgqXETIp2JQHUQA

WUSA9: Foods & Friends supporting DC during Thanksgiving | Thankful Thursday

https://www.wusa9.com/video/life/holidays/thankful/foods-friends-supporting-dc-during-thanksgiving-thankful-thursday/65-d536b377-7d61-4ace-a798-96cb4338c24b

WUSA9: Food and Friends delivers Thanksgiving feast to 850 families in DMV

https://www.wusa9.com/video/life/holidays/food-and-friends-delivers-thanksgiving-feast-to-850-families-in-dmv/65-a20343f8-d993-495e-a13e-fe0ef608527a

NBC 4: Volunteers prep Thanksgiving meals for those with serious illnesses

https://youtube.com/shorts/n55cM8Ag098?si=VGl1x0ejE-PqWhjy

NBC 4: ‘Help people heal’: Volunteers prep Thanksgiving meals for people with serious illnesses

https://www.nbcwashington.com/video/news/local/help-people-heal-volunteers-prep-thanksgiving-meals-for-people-with-serious-illnesses/4020453/

WJLA: Over 4,600 Thanksgiving meals delivered to those with serious illnesses in DC

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/uLLDy8mrgew

WUSA9: Food & Friends delivering Thanksgiving meals to neighbors in need

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QsGPVlI7eHs

WTOP: It’s a Thanksgiving tradition in DC — hundreds turn out to volunteer at Food & Friends

https://youtube.com/shorts/CLAUZE1OZ3g?si=14XHOLmTy9vjk3yw

Univision: Thousands for those who need it most this Thanksgiving Day

Https://www.univision.com/local/washington-dc-wfdc/miles-de-platos-de-comida-para-quien-mas-lo-necesita-en-este-dia-de-accion-de-gracias-video

WASHINGTONIAN: 9 Ways to Give Back in the DC Area This Thanksgiving

https://washingtonian.com/2025/11/06/ways-to-give-back-in-the-dc-area-this-thanksgiving/

THE 51^st : Turkey trotting and boycotting: Your holiday civics roundup

https://51st.news/dc-civic-engagement-roundup-thanksgiving/

Community Steps Up: Volunteers Prepare 4,600 Thanksgiving Dinners (Nov. 24-26)

320+ Community Volunteer Army will Mobilize Thanksgiving Day to Deliver Thanksgiving Dinners to 4,600 Neighbors in Need

WHAT:
Food & Friends will mobilize hundreds of volunteers to prepare and deliver more than 4,600 Thanksgiving dinners across the D.C. region to individuals living with cancer, heart failure, renal disease, HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses.

Sponsored by Wegmans for the fourth year, Food & Friends Thanksgiving event is an essential Washington tradition that fosters community and provides comfort to neighbors in need. Amid inflation, rising food costs, and a historic government shutdown, Food & Friends’ Thanksgiving reflects the true meaning of the holiday: neighbors caring for neighbors by making sure no one facing a serious illness is left behind.

(November 24-26) Staff and volunteers are preparing 9,000 pounds of turkey, 1,100 pounds of glazed sweet potatoes,1,200 pounds of cornbread stuffing, 700 gallons of gravy, 188 gallons of butternut squash soup, 800 pounds of buttered corn, 800 pounds of braised collard greens, 700 pounds of cranberry sauce, 1,550 pounds of fresh fruit and 6,000 assorted dinner rolls. Each Thanksgiving delivery will feed five people.This is in addition the 7,000+ medically tailored meals and medically tailored groceries Food & Friends is preparing and delivering each day.
(Thanksgiving Day) 320+ volunteers will deliver full Thanksgiving Dinners to Food & Friend’s client households.

WHO:

Dedicated volunteers and staff
Food & Friends’ CEO, Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (6:30 AM Thanksgiving Day)
Chris Holland, Community Engagement & Communications Manager, Wegmans
Local community leaders and supporters

WHEN:
Thanksgiving Week: November 24-26, 2024

Media opportunities: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Thanksgiving Day: November 27, 2024
Media opportunities: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM

WHERE:
Food & Friends
219 Riggs Road NE
Washington, D.C., 20011

VISUALS:

Thanksgiving Week:

Volunteers preparing and packing 4,600 Thanksgiving dinners and over 7,000 medically tailored meals and medically tailored groceries
Interviews with volunteers and leadership

Thanksgiving Day:

Volunteers packing and delivering Thanksgiving meals
Families and neighbors receiving meals in their homes
Interviews with clients, staff, volunteers, leadership Mayor Muriel Bowser (expected 6:30 am)

WHY:
Join Food & Friends as we ensure that our neighbors dealing with serious illnesses are able to enjoy a festive Thanksgiving meal with loved ones. Together, volunteers will help prepare and home-deliver more than 4,600 full Thanksgiving meals with all of the traditional holiday favorites.

MEDIA RSVP:
To arrange interviews or on-site coverage, please contact:
Cameron Whitaker
Director of Communications
(202) 269-6875 or (281) 635-7418
cwhitaker@foodandfriends.org

ABOUT FOOD & FRIENDS:
Food & Friends is the Washington region’s leading authority on “Food is Medicine” and the only community-based organization delivering home-delivered, medically tailored meals and medical nutrition therapy to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional needs, including for their dependents and caregivers. Monday-Saturday, including holidays, staff and volunteers deliver to 6,172 square miles including the District of Columbia, nine counties in Maryland, and seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 32.6 million meals to 53,500 individuals. The organization is accredited by the national Food is Medicine Coalition.

For more information, visit FoodAndFriends.org or Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

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Food & Friends Honored for Leadership in Reducing Health disparities Across the Washington Region

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 10, 2025) — The District of Columbia Hospital Association (DCHA) has named Food & Friends a recipient of the 2025 Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award, recognizing the organization’s leadership in reducing racial and socioeconomic health disparities and integrating food as a critical component of healthcare quality and access. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that are making health equity a reality in their community and leveraging engagement to improve health outcomes for those at high-risk for health disparities.

Since its founding in 1988, Food & Friends has tackled health equity through nutrition and food access by preparing and delivering medically tailored meals (MTMs) and medically tailored groceries (MTGs) designed by registered dietitians for individuals living with serious and chronic illnesses. Many of these individuals face significant barriers to health, including food insecurity, reliance on Medicare/Medicaid, and disproportionate rates of diet-related chronic conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. These individuals often lack access to medically appropriate nutrition and experience higher rates of hospitalization, poorer disease management, and reduced quality of life. While many may be eligible to receive food from anti-hunger providers, the complexity of their medical condition requires a specialized diet offered through our medically tailored meal program. In 2025, the organization delivered more than 2.2 million meals to 6,200 residents across D.C., Maryland and northern Virginia, including caregivers and dependents.

A regional leader of the growing Food Is Medicine movement, Food & Friends’ work has demonstrated that access to medically tailored meals improves health outcomes, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers healthcare costs. In 2024, the organization became the first agency in the nation to earn accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition (FIMC).

“We are deeply honored to receive the Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award,” said Carrie Stoltzfus, Chief Executive Officer of Food & Friends. “Every meal we deliver represents more than nourishment, its comfort, stability, and hope during some of life’s most difficult moments. Through our medically tailored meals and nutrition support, we see the difference each day in our clients’ lives: parents who regain strength to care for their children, older adults who can manage their health with dignity, and families who feel less alone on their journey to healing. This recognition affirms the power of community-based care and the role we all play in building a more equitable and compassionate healthcare system.”

The Maryland Medically Tailored Meals & Hospitalization Utilization Report, and independent evaluation conducted in partnership with Maryland’s Community Health Resources Commission and other health systems, confirmed these outcomes. The study tracked 3,000 Food & Friends and Moveable Feast clients over three years, examining sociodemographic indicators such as Medicaid and Medicare eligibility to understand the impact on populations historically excluded from equitable healthcare. Results showed that participants who received medically tailored meals experienced:

37% reduction in hospital charges, averaging $9,020 in savings per person

45% decrease in potentially avoidable inpatient hospitalizations

34% reduction in hospital visits

Among the highest-cost patients, hospital charges dropped 67%, an average savings of more than $52,000 per person. These findings underscore that integrating nutrition into healthcare is not only a compassionate approach—it’s an effective and equitable one.

Food & Friends continues to partner with managed care organizations, health insurers, and policymakers to advance the integration of food as a healthcare intervention. Through these partnerships, Food & Friends demonstrates how addressing poor nutrition can improve clinical outcomes and reduce disparities in care, especially for those living with chronic illnesses in low-income and historically marginalized communities.

About Food & Friends

Food & Friends is the Washington, D.C. region’s leading authority on Food is Medicine and the only community-based organization delivering medically tailored meals and providing medical nutrition therapy to neighbors living with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other serious illnesses. Food & Friends’ services are free of charge to recipients who qualify solely based on their health status and nutritional needs, including for their dependents and caregivers. Monday-Saturday, staff and volunteers deliver to 6,172 square miles including the District of Columbia, nine counties in Maryland, and seven counties and six independent cities in Virginia. Nearly 2 million meals will be delivered to more than 5,500 individuals in 2026. Since 1988, Food & Friends has delivered more than 32.6 million meals to 53,500 individuals. The organization is accredited by the national Food is Medicine Coalition.

For more information, visit FoodAndFriends.org or on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

About the Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award

The DC Hospital Association believes that to achieve health equity we must understand the challenges, aspirations, barriers, and realities of the community. DCHA recognizes the importance of working with its member hospitals and the community to ensure health care quality and access for everyone, especially high-risk groups. The Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award honors and recognizes individuals and organizations that are making health equity a reality in their community and leveraging engagement to improve health outcomes for those at high-risk for health disparities. The award will go to an individual and hospital/organization that demonstrate contributions and efforts that reduce disparities in health care quality and access.

Celebrating the Inaugural Move for Meals

Last month, our Food & Friends community came together in a remarkable way for the very first Move for Meals, and what an inspiring month it was! From running, biking, and hiking to strength training, yoga, and Zumba, participants moved with purpose, energy, and joy, all to support our neighbors living with serious illnesses.

Together, our incredible community logged 32,000 minutes of movement and raised nearly $50,000, an extraordinary display of generosity and commitment. Every step, pedal, and stretch was a meaningful contribution to ensuring that individuals in our region receive medically tailored meals and the support they need.

We were thrilled to see the creativity and enthusiasm of our participants, who joined in activities far and wide. Many took part in fitness classes at Reformation Fitness, One Rule Dance Fitness, and Yoga Sangha, while others hit the trails for 5Ks and 10Ks in Rock Creek Park. Beyond the physical activity, what truly stood out was the community spirit, cheering each other on, sharing milestones, and connecting with loved ones who were equally eager to support this mission.

Of course, we also want to celebrate our top fundraisers, whose dedication helped make this event an even bigger success:

Top Fundraisers:

Stephanie Branch
Kieran Carney
Arielle G
Suzanne McMahon
Jerry Blasenstein

Top Fundraising Teams:

The Morning Crew
Krebs Cyclists
Friends Forever – F&F Alumni Team
Plates for Plates (Reformation Fitness)
Team Rachelle B

Stephanie Branch earned the top spot overall, combining fundraising and activity points to raise $3,052 and earn 7,624 points! Our raffle winner, Chris Daubert, also raised an impressive $1,280 and brought home prizes that included tickets to our premier annual gala, Chef’s Best Dinner & Auction.

It wasn’t just about numbers, it was about the heartfelt messages shared throughout the month. Participants and supporters alike expressed their gratitude and admiration:

“Thank you for being an inspiration!”
“You make a difference!”
“Delighted you’re able to raise funds and awareness for the nourishment of others.”

Each message reminded us that the generosity of our community is truly transformative. Your support allows Food & Friends to continue providing meals, nutrition counseling, and care that sustains health, dignity, and hope for our clients. We couldn’t be more grateful for everyone who moved, cheered, and contributed. If you haven’t yet joined our mission, it’s never too late to make a difference. Your support, whether through participation, donations, or spreading the word, ensures that no one in our community faces illness alone or hunger.

Thank you for helping us make the inaugural Move for Meals an unforgettable celebration of movement, compassion, and community. We can’t wait to see what we achieve together next year!

Check out your photos from the month here: Move for Meals Gallery.

From the Desk of Carrie Stoltzfus, CEO

With Thanksgiving and the holiday season around the corner, and with many in our region feeling the effects of the federal government shutdown, furloughs, and layoffs, I’m struck by the ways I see our community coming together to support each other, including the continued generosity of those who provide support to the clients of Food & Friends.

Your incredible generosity and volunteerism made it possible for Food & Friends to deliver 2.2 million medically tailored meals to more than 6,200 individuals living with life-challenging illnesses over the last year. I am deeply grateful. Your compassion has touched every corner of our community, and I know our clients share my deep gratitude for your support.

Just last month alone, with your help, our staff and volunteers prepared and delivered 181,809 medically tailored meals to 2,995 individuals throughout the region, including 762 dependents and caregivers. This is 13% more meals and 350 more clients than we served in September 2024.

This shows that the need for our services has never been greater. Your support during this tumultuous time and throughout the holidays will help us continue to respond to the rising need, just as we have for nearly four decades. Your time volunteering can make that impact even deeper.

This holiday season, please consider volunteering with us on Thanksgiving Day or in December. We count on your partnership and your volunteer donations to support our mission. Together, we are neighbors helping neighbors.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff, and clients, thank you for being part of our community.

Food & Friends Swaps Pies for Pushups with ‘Move for Meals’

Food & Friends CEO Carrie Stoltzfus recently sat down with Metro Weekly Editor Randy Shulman to share more about the end of Slice of Life and the launch of Move for Meals, Food & Friends’ brand new peer to peer fundraising event.

For 19 years, community members participated in Slice of Life as special way to give back to neighbors living with conditions or serious illnesses during the holiday season. This year, those same community members are invited to participate in a new event focused less sweet treats and more on health and fitness. Carrie shared with Randy about why this year was the right time to try something new and how she hopes it inspires the next generation of supporters to get involved, give back and learn more about Food & Friends’ mission.

“We’ve done Slice of Life for 19 years, but events have a life cycle,” says Food & Friends CEO Carrie Stoltzfus. “It was just time for something new. And, you know, not everyone needs a pie at Thanksgiving. So this is a way for us to get participants from throughout the city — and even beyond — to join in, because Move for Meals is an event you can do from anywhere.”

To read the full story, visit Metro Weekly’s website or grab this week’s print edition.

If you’d like to an extra push to stay healthy and are interested in moving for a purpose, register for Move for Meals today at moveformealsdc.org and help us reach our goal of $200,000 by November 1!

Extra New Volunteer Orientations in October!

Fall is one of the busiest and most exciting times at Food & Friends. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, our team is already preparing to deliver thousands of meals filled with warmth and care to neighbors across the region. Because November is dedicated to planning and executing this massive holiday effort, we will be pausing all New Volunteer Orientations (NVOs) in November.

But don’t worry! You don’t have to wait until winter to get involved. To give more people the chance to join our incredible community of volunteers, we’re hosting five special New Volunteer Orientations in October.

Mark your calendar & sign up below for a date and time that works best for you.

Food & Friends invites you to be part of something bigger this season. Whether you’re packing meals, making deliveries, or lending a helping hand, your time and compassion will make a difference.

Visit our Volunteer Page to learn more and reserve your spot at one of these October sessions. We can’t wait to welcome you into the Food & Friends family!

The Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Act

Call to Action: Write your legislators to support the Medically Tailored Meal (MTM) Bicameral Bill!

The Medically Tailored Home-Delivered Meals Program Pilot Ac, or MTM Bill, would establish a Medicare pilot program ensuring that medically vulnerable individuals get access to lifesaving medically tailored meals in their home. Learn more.

The Congress Members below represent the areas Food & Friends serves. We are grateful to the cosponsors of the bill: Representatives James P. McGovern (D-MA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Dwight Evans (D-PA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

Download our letter templates below to write your Member of Congress and ask them to support the bill. Find Your Representative here.

Virginia Residents:

D.C. Residents:

Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton

Maryland Residents: