Gifts in-kind

Please see below for information on donating food and clothing.  Please see our Wish List for other items we need.

Donate Non-Perishable, Healthful Food

Food is accepted at our Northwest and Southeast Centers from 9am-5pm, Monday through Thursday. We are closed on Fridays.

We're encouraging healthy eating at Bread for the City and you can help!  We ask that food donations for our food program be nonperishable and as healthy as possible (i.e. no trans fat).  

We encourage:

• low-sodium or unsalted canned vegetables and beans
• olive oil
• dry beans
• fruit canned in natural juices
• canned salmon, tuna, sardines, or chicken, especially unsalted and packed in water
• 100% pure juice
• whole grain flour and whole grain, not highly sweetened cereal (like plain oatmeal, original Cheerios)

We discourage:

• canned vegetables and beans that are not labeled low-sodium or unsalted
• fruit canned in light or heavy syrup
• highly sweetened cereal (like Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch)

We cannot accept:

• ramen noodles
• canned soups that are not labeled low-fat, low-sodium
• pastry items or candy
• other highly processed food (Jell-o, cookies)
• drinks that are highly sweetened (sweetened fruit juice, soda, sports drinks)

Donate Gently Used Clothing

Clothing is accepted at our Southeast Center from 9am-5pm, Monday - Thursday. We are closed on Fridays. We ask that clothing be seasonally appropriate.  Plus-sized items are especially needed in our clothing room.

We are always especially in need of the following:

• Children’s clothing
• Ladies’ large size clothing
• Men’s clothing
• Children’s books
• Department store shopping bags

In order to maintain a quality, organized clothing stock, we ask the following:

• Clothing items must be clean
• Clothing items must be in season
• Clothing items must be hung, boxed or in sturdy shopping bags

Please note that we cannot accept the following:

• Donations in black trash bags
• Computers and fax machines
• Televisions
• Large household items
• Large exercise equipment
• Bundles of wire hangers

Organize a Food Drive!

Organizing a food drive is a great way to earn community service hours or boost morale in the office.  For more information, contact Nathan LaBorie at 202.386.7611.