At Food & Friends, we believe that food is more than sustenance: it’s medicine, care, and connection. In 2025, this belief guided every meal prepared, every delivery made, and every neighbor served across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and northern Virginia.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, Food & Friends delivered 2,208,861 medically tailored meals to 6,257 neighbors living with life-challenging illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, renal disease, and other life challenging illnesses. Each meal was carefully designed by our incredible team of community registered dietitians to meet the nutritional needs of our clients and brought to life by our talented chefs, helping them heal and strengthen for the future.
But our impact didn’t stop at the doorstep. With more than 1,300 nutrition engagements led by our community dietitians, clients received the education and support they needed to make lasting changes to their health. Guided by compassion and science, our team of registered dietitians helped clients better understand how food can be a powerful part of their treatment plan.
This work was made possible by the dedication of over 4,500 volunteers, whose hands and hearts ensured every delivery reached a neighbor in need. From individuals to corporate groups, to faith groups and even students, the commitment of our volunteers embodies the spirit of community that defines Food & Friends, proving that when we come together, we can turn compassion into action.
The results speak for themselves:
- 90% of clients reported improved health.
- 81% said they were better able to follow their doctor’s orders.
- 85% experienced a higher quality of life.
- 77% were able to maintain a healthy weight.
In a region where 67% of the households we serve live on less than $1,800 a month, our medically tailored meals mean more than nourishment, they offer stability, dignity, and hope.
As we look back on 2025, we’re reminded that Food & Friends is more than a meal delivery organization, we are a healthcare intervention. Our services offer a lifeline, connecting neighbors, empowering health, and leading the way in the Food Is Medicine movement. Together, we are transforming what care looks like one meal, one client, and one act of kindness at a time.
Food & Friends is a nonprofit and relies on donations to support our mission. Donate now.