Our Journey
Since 1988, Food & Friends has grown from a small volunteer effort into the Washington, D.C. region's leading authority on Food is Medicine. What began as a response to the HIV/AIDS crisis has evolved into a comprehensive nutrition support organization serving thousands of neighbors facing serious illnesses.
Our Beginning
Food & Friends was founded in Washington, D.C. as a grassroots response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. A small group of volunteers came together to cook and deliver meals to neighbors living with AIDS, ensuring that no one facing this devastating illness would have to go without proper nutrition.
Growing to Meet Need
As the HIV/AIDS epidemic continued, Food & Friends expanded its services and volunteer base. We moved into our current facility at 219 Riggs Road NE and began professionalizing our meal preparation operations to serve more clients safely and efficiently.
Expanding Our Mission
Recognizing that many serious illnesses create barriers to proper nutrition, Food & Friends expanded eligibility beyond HIV/AIDS to include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and other life-challenging conditions. We developed specialized meal programs to address various dietary needs.
Leading the Food Is Medicine Movement
Food & Friends became a founding member of the Food Is Medicine Coalition, helping to establish national standards for medically tailored meal services. We launched Medical Nutrition Therapy services, adding registered dietitians to our team to provide personalized nutrition counseling.
First National Accreditation
Food & Friends became the first agency in the nation to earn accreditation from the Food Is Medicine Coalition, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of medically tailored meal services and nutrition support.
Today & Beyond
Food & Friends delivers nearly 2 million meals annually to over 5,800 individuals across the Washington region. Our services continue to grow as we respond to increasing need in our community. We remain committed to ensuring that no one facing serious illness goes without the nutrition they need to heal.
By the Numbers
38
Years of Service
32.6M+
Meals Delivered
53,500+
Individuals Served
6,172
Square Miles Covered
Our Impact
The Maryland Medically Tailored Meals & Hospitalization Utilization Report, an independent evaluation conducted in partnership with Maryland's Community Health Resources Commission, confirmed the significant impact of our services:
37%
Reduction in hospital charges
Average savings of $9,020 per person
45%
Decrease in potentially avoidable hospitalizations
34%
Reduction in hospital visits
$52K
Average savings for highest-cost patients
67% reduction in hospital charges
Recognition & Awards
- 2025 Vincent C. Gray Health Equity Award - District of Columbia Hospital Association
- 2024 First FIMC Accreditation - First agency in the nation accredited by the Food Is Medicine Coalition
- Featured in Washingtonian Magazine (2026) - Spotlight on the Food Is Medicine movement
- NBC4 Community Champion Coverage - Regular media coverage of our Thanksgiving and disaster response efforts
Leadership
Food & Friends is led by a dedicated team of professionals and a committed Board of Directors who bring expertise in healthcare, nonprofit management, and community service.
Carrie Stoltzfus, MPH
Chief Executive Officer
Fernando Garcia
Board President
For a complete listing of our Board of Directors and staff leadership, please contact us.