DC Central Kitchen produces over 5,000 meals each day that are distributed to over 100 partner agencies throughout DC, including homeless shelters, rehabilitation clinics, and afterschool programs.
This slideshow explains each step of the process from acquiring food donations to turning that food into healthy meals and distributing those meals to our partner agencies.
1. A Day in the Life of a Meal
DC Central Kitchen produces over 5,000 meals each day that are distributed
to over 100 partner agencies throughout DC, including homeless
shelters, rehabilitation clinics, and afterschool programs.
This slideshow explains each step of the process from acquiring food
donations to turning that food into healthy meals and distributing those
meals to our partner agencies.
2. 1. Picking up the Donation
DC Central Kitchen trucks pick up unused food donated from major
food service operations and local farms. Here’s one of our trucks
picking up food from Nationals Park.
3. 2. Unloading
Once the truck returns to DC Central Kitchen, the food is quickly unloaded.
4. 3. Storage
Some food items, like bread rolls, can be sent out right away with that
day’s meal. Other foods that need to be prepared, such as produce
items, are put directly into storage to be used in the following day’s
meal.
5. 4. Food Preparation
The bulk of the food preparation that happens for each meal is done by
DC Central Kitchen’s incredible volunteers. With over 12,000 volunteers
each year, it would not be possible for us to produce all the meals without
them!
6. 4. Food Preparation (Continued)
Volunteers peel and chop vegetables to assist DC Central Kitchen staff in
producing 5,000 meals.
7. 5. Meal Packaging
Once the meal has been prepared, it is placed in the containers that it
will be sent in to DC Central Kitchen’s 100 partner agencies.
8. 5. Meal Packaging (Continued)
The containers are then put in insolated carriers with the menu of the
day.
9. 6. Distribution
Our trucks then distribute the meals to our agencies feeding thousands of
low income DC residents.
10. Combating Hunger, Creating Opportunity
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