Dear Neighbors,
Because of the continuing federal shutdown, the Department of Agriculture has notified states that there may not be funding for November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments. SNAP is an essential resource for our community, especially seniors and families, and I have been proud to advocate for its protection over the years — including fighting to secure funding to increase SNAP assistance for thousands of DC residents. This suspension will also affect WIC clinics (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), which will close on November 5th unless funding is restored.
This week, DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb joined 25 states in suing to halt the Trump administration’s suspension of SNAP assistance. While we await a decision from the Executive on whether or not DC will cover the cost of SNAP benefits, this lapse in benefits threatens to upend our neighbors who depend on these funds to sustain their families and keep food on the table.
So before then, I want to make sure neighbors know how to access support that is available across Ward 4. Most importantly, dozens of food resources have been compiled on DC Health’s LinkU website, where neighbors can find food, health care, and housing resources in locations across the DMV. Here’s what you need to know:
Food and Supply Distributions
Ward 4 Mutual Aid Food & Supplies Distribution
One Saturday per month, Ward 4 Mutual Aid provides food, diapers, and supplies to neighbors in Ward 4 — no questions asked, no strings attached. On Saturday, November 15th at 10am, you can find them at Brightwood Park United Methodist Church (744 Jefferson St NW) — no registration required. If you physically cannot make it to the church on Saturday, please call or text the Ward 4 Mutual Aid Hotline at 202-681-3098 to sign up for delivery.
Nineteenth Street Baptist Church Food Pantry
On Thursday, November 6th and Thursday, November 20th from 10am to 1pm, Nineteenth Street Baptist Church will hold a Food Pantry and Clothes Closet at 4606 16th St NW.
Emory Beacon of Light Food Pantry
Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month at 9am, the Emory Beacon of Light food pantry (6100 Georgia Ave NW) supplies food to dozens of families across our community. EBOL offers a range of fresh produce, pantry staples, and nourishing meals. Beyond providing sustenance, their dedicated team of volunteers aims to create a warm and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and cared for.
CFLS Drop-In Center Emergency Services
Community Family Life Services provides emergency food and clothing to homeless and low-income families and individuals, as well as women returning home from a period of incarceration. CFLS’s Drop-In Center offers food, clothing, hygiene items, and walk-in assistance every Tuesday from 10am to 12pm at 4860 Fort Totten Drive NE.
Gethsemane Baptist Church Food Pantry
Gethsemane Baptist Church’s Food Pantry operates on Monday mornings from 10:30am to 12:30pm at 5119 4th St NW in Brightwood Park. For any questions about the food pantry, contact the church at 202-882-5836.
People’s Pantry Food Drive and Rally
On Thursday, October 30th from 3 to 5pm, the Federal Unionists Network, Free DC, Sunrise Movement, and other local organizations are holding a food drive and rally outside the USDA building on the National Mall. Bring food items or donate online and join at 3:30pm to protest the Trump administration’s suspension of $6 billion in emergency SNAP funds.
Fellowship Baptist Church Food Distribution
Fellowship Baptist Church (5605 Colorado Ave NW) provides a food distribution program to address the needs of low-income residents and households. For more information on dates, call the church at 202-829-2873.
Sixth Church Food Closet
Every other Wednesday, Sixth Presbyterian Church (5413 16th St NW) holds a food giveaway for neighbors without access to affordable, nutritious food on a regular basis. For specific dates, call the office at 202-723-5377.
Support Takoma ES Families
With local food banks meeting an increased need from the community, the Takoma Elementary School PTO is organizing a fundraiser for grocery store gift cards for Takoma families who rely on SNAP assistance for groceries. Neighbors can donate here and share questions with pto.takomaec@gmail.com.
For more resources & information on food and supply distributions, visit linkudmv.org.
Our strength as a community is defined by how we show up for one another in tough times, and I’m incredibly grateful to all the organizations who are working to make sure support is within reach for all our neighbors.
If you are aware of any other resources related to food assistance or supporting residents who rely on SNAP, please send them to teamjaneese@dccouncil.gov and I will share it with neighbors in my Friday newsletter.
Yours in Community,
—Janeese
