WE FIGHT HUNGER DIFFERENTLY.

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ENROLL

Our mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.

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Our Social Ventures

Culinary Job Training

Preparing adults  facing barriers to employment through culinary careers.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Healthy School Food

Serving award-winning farm-to-school menus at DC public, private and charter schools.

SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAMS
Healthy Corners

Transforming corner stores into access points for healthy, affordable food.

HEALTHY CORNERS
Community Meals

Preparing nutritious meals for nonprofits, youth programs, and shelters.

MEAL SERVICES
Catering & Cafes

Featuring fresh food made with love by DC Central Kitchen Staff and students.

CATERING & CAFE INFO

Latest News

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DC Central Kitchen Culinary Job Training graduates
Our Favorite Stories of 2025
Here are some of the powerful stories that YOU made possible in 2025...
December 22, 2025
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A DC Central Kitchen employee and meals
New Partnership with DC Public Library Provides Meals, Opportunity
DC Central Kitchen is thrilled to announce a new, focused...
December 18, 2025
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DC Central Kitchen volunteers
2025: A Monumental Year
Economic development. Community service. Philanthropy. Bold storytelling.
December 17, 2025
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Volunteer Bill of Rights

All volunteers have the right to:

  • Work in a safe environment
  • Be treated with respect by all staff members
  • Be engaged in meaningful work and be actively included regardless of any physical limitations
  • Be told what impact your work made in the community
  • Ask any staff member questions about our work
  • Provide feedback about your experience
  • Receive a copy of our financial information or annual report upon request.

Community Service

DC Central Kitchen provides opportunities for volunteers to complete service hours related to a legal matter during our regularly scheduled volunteer shifts. Candidates participating in this service for DCCK are prohibited from enrolling in our community service program if they have the following charges or convictions: assault, sexual assault, weapons charge, unlawful entry, destruction of property or disorderly conduct.
Community Service volunteers must contact Director of Guest Experience (202) 851-4207 or jmcintyre@dccentralkitchen.org or the Guest Experience Manager ( to confirm your service dates and times. A volunteer account can be created online for community service volunteers, and hours will be reported based on the shifts you are checked in for within the Volunteer Portal.
Community Service volunteers can only work at the Klein Center for Jobs and Justice (2121 First St, SW). We can accept no more than 10 court-ordered volunteers at a time. All community service volunteers are required to inform the Reception desk that you are volunteering for service hours upon check-in and should sign the Community Service Log for each visit.
Once you complete your required hours, you will receive a letter of completion and a confirmation of the number of hours completed. Your service opportunity can be terminated at any time for failure to abide by DC Central Kitchen’s regulations. Grounds for discontinuation of service include but are not limited to displaying a disruptive behavior or attitude; failing to adhere to DCCK’s dress code; or failing to show up for assigned shifts on time.