Food Resources

Help for Seniors Affected by the SNAP Lapse

No one should go hungry or without food in our city. The ongoing government shutdown threatens to delay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits affecting 24,000 older neighbors in the District placing an even greater burden on those already at risk of hunger. Mayor Muriel Bowser has announced the authorization of local funds, if necessary, to cover payments for SNAP beneficiaries for the month of November. Iona is working to help fill any gaps and ensure older residents have access to daily meals during this time of uncertainty. Our twelve community dining sites located throughout the District provide warm, nutritious meals, wellness programs, and social services for D.C. residents aged 60 and older citywide.  

To join us at a dining site near you or provide help for someone you know, please click here for a list of our locations.

Over 41 million people, about 12.3% of the U.S. population, receive SNAP benefits each month. In the District, 141,000 residents rely on SNAP, including 24,000 older adults, who make up 16% of recipients. Many seniors struggle to afford food while paying for medicine and housing, face mobility or transportation challenges getting to grocery stores, or hesitate to seek help. Rising food prices, cuts to pandemic-era programs, and federal assistance reductions have made things worse. 

With SNAP benefits uncertain and many seniors facing hunger, Iona remains committed to providing meals, support, and community to help older adults thrive. 

We’re here to help— Here are local food resources and meals near you.

About Iona’s Community Dining Sites
Iona’s Community Dining Sites are open to all District of Columbia residents aged 60 and older. Walk-ins are welcome at all locations. Upon arrival, participants will be asked to provide basic information and complete a Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)–required intake form. These forms help ensure services are delivered safely and in accordance with DACL guidelines. Individuals under age 60 may be eligible if they are the spouse of an older adult attending a community dining site or people with disabilities that reside in an older adults housing facility that hosts a community dining site. For a complete list of DACL community dining sites, please click here.

Each site offers a welcoming space for older adults to enjoy nutritious meals, connect with peers, and participate in wellness and social activities throughout the week.

Ward	Site Name	Address	Standard Hours
2	Asbury Dwelling Place	1616 Marion St NW, Washington, DC 20001	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
2	Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Service Center (New Bethel Baptist Church)	1739 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001	Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
2	Claridge Towers	1221 M St NW, Washington, DC 20009	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
2	James Apartments	1425 N St NW, Washington, DC 20005	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
2	Oasis Senior Center for the Homeless	1615 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009	Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
2	St. Mary’s Court	725 24th St NW, Washington, DC 20037	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
3	Active Wellness Program at St. Alban’s	3001 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
3	Regency House	5201 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20015	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
4	Colony House	930 Farragut St NW, Washington, DC 20011	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
4	Fort Stevens Recreation Center	1327 Van Buren St NW, Washington, DC 20012	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
4	Hattie Holmes Senior Wellness Center	324 Kennedy St NW, Washington, DC 20011	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
4	Lamond Recreation Center	20 Tuckerman St NE, Washington, DC 20011	Mon–Fri, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Food Support

Ward 2 Food Resources

Ward 3 Food Resources

Ward 4 Food Resources

Ward 8 Food Resources

Bread for the City: Food Pantry and Free Farmers Market open Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 1-3 p.m. Current DC identification OR proof of DC residency (within 3 months) is required. Free Farmers Markets: Free, fresh, and seasonal produce. Fridays from 9 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. or until food runs out, whichever comes first.  

Capital Area Food Bank: To reach the Hunger Lifeline, call (202) 644-9807 or e-mail [email protected]. To utilize their interactive map to locate food resources in your area visit https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/find-food-assistance/

NW Community Food: Non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in DC with fresh produce, shelf-stable foods, household and personal hygiene items. Provides resource links to DC residents (Legal services, Immigrant Advocacy, WIC, Crisis intervention, Mutual Aid, Clothing). Open Sundays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. 

4225 Connecticut Ave, NW 

St. Paul’s Weekly Lunches: Prime Time Center at St. Paul’s Senior ministry gathers on Wednesday for seated exercise followed by pre-plated lunch and entertainment. Welcome to those 50+ and vaccinated. Pre-registration is required. Please notify Joy Belew by 11 a.m. on the Friday prior to each week’s program to participate. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. 

4900 Connecticut Ave., NW 

Phone: (202) 966-5489 

Email: [email protected] 

Woodley House Food Pantry: Provides food staples, frozen meat, and fresh produce to Woodley House residents and community neighbors in need. Tuesdays 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Open to all DC residents. Must provide proof of residency with current photo ID, passport, or utility bill, etc. 

Valenti House 

2711 Connecticut Ave., NW 

Phone: 202-830-3508