Capital Area Food Bank

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Capital Area Food Bank

The Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to providing food assistance to individuals and families in need across the Washington metropolitan area. Established in 1980, the CAFB is the largest organization in the region working to solve hunger and its companion problems: chronic undernutrition, heart disease, and obesity.

History

The Capital Area Food Bank was founded in 1980 by J. Craig and Hazel Schaefer. The organization began as a small operation, distributing food from the basement of a church. Over the years, it has grown significantly, now operating out of a 123,000 square-foot distribution center in Northeast Washington, D.C.

Mission

The mission of the Capital Area Food Bank is to provide good, healthy food to people struggling with hunger and food insecurity. The organization works to address the root causes of hunger by partnering with local organizations, advocating for policy changes, and providing nutrition education.

Programs

The Capital Area Food Bank operates several programs to fulfill its mission:

• Food Distribution: The CAFB distributes millions of pounds of food annually to hundreds of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.
• Mobile Markets: These are pop-up markets that bring fresh produce and other groceries directly to communities in need.
• Kids Cafe: This program provides free meals and snacks to children in after-school programs.
• Senior Brown Bag: A program that delivers groceries to low-income seniors.
• Nutrition Education: The CAFB offers cooking classes, nutrition workshops, and other educational resources to help individuals make healthier food choices.

Service Area

The Capital Area Food Bank serves the entire Washington metropolitan area, including the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia, and Maryland suburbs. The organization works with over 450 partner agencies to distribute food and provide services to those in need.

Impact

The Capital Area Food Bank distributes over 45 million pounds of food annually, helping to feed more than 400,000 people each year. The organization also plays a critical role in disaster relief, providing food and resources during emergencies.

See Also

• Food bank
• Hunger in the United States
• Non-profit organization
• Washington metropolitan area

Related Pages

• Feeding America
• Food security
• Poverty in the United States
• Social services