Where Arlington-Alexandria Families Can Find Free Groceries and Meals

If your family is feeling the pinch with SNAP funding on hold, you’re not alone — and Arlington-Alexandria is full of organizations ready to help. We’ve rounded up local resources where you can find free groceries, community meals, and kid-friendly food programs to make things a little easier.

Local Food Pantries and Food Banks

• ALIVE! | Neighbors Helping Neighbors
  • Address: 2601 B Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
  • Free food hubs for children and families — prepared meals, groceries, personal items, school supplies, etc. 
  • Be sure to check for schedule and items available; arrive early for the best selection.
• Our Lady Queen of Peace Church Food Pantry 
  • 2700 19th St S, Arlington, VA 22201 
  • Wednesdays 9:00 am–11:30 am
  • Food pantry open to all (within certain guidelines) with fresh and pantry staples 

• Catholic Charities Alexandria Food Pantry

  • 4725-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304

  • Distributes both perishable and non-perishable food items, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy. 
  • Also runs evening meals
  • Be sure to ask about eligibility, documentation needed, and distribution times.

Community Meals & Free Food Events

• St. George's Episcopal Church 
  • 915 N Oakland St. Arlington, VA 22203
  • Lunch served Monday through Friday, 11:30 am-1:00 pm
• Arlington Assembly of God Church 
  • 4501 N Pershing Dr, Arlington, VA 22203
  • Dinner served Monday–Friday from 5:00 pm-6:30 pm

For Families with Kids

Many organizations in Arlington-Alexandria offer free meals or snacks for children and teens, even outside of school hours. Check with:

• Local YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, or after-school programs
• Libraries or churches that host kids’ meal days or snack tables
• County or city social services websites for up-to-date youth meal information

Blessing Boxes, Little Free Pantries, & Community Fridges

These small, take-what-you-need spots are stocked by neighbors and open 24/7:

• The Little Yellow Free Pantry — Corner of S Fillmore & 2nd St in Arlington, VA
• UUCA Little Free Pantry (at Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington) — 4444 Arlington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204
• Alexandria Little Free Pantry — 901 Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314
• Alexandria Country Day School Free Little Pantry — 2500 Russell Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 
• Girl Scout Troop 1444 Little Free Pantry — 6120 N Kings Hwy, Alexandria, VA 22306
• Chirilagua Little Free Pantry — 3907 Bruce St., Alexandria, VA 22305
• Hybla Valley Community Center Little Free Pantry — 7950 Adubon Ave., Alexandria, VA 
• Little Free Pantry- St. Rita's Catholic Church — 3704 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305
• St. John's Episcopal Church Little Free Pantry — 415 Lexington St., Arlington, VA 22204

Lisa | Canva

💕 Ways to Help Others

If your family is in a position to give back, many of these groups welcome donations or volunteers. A few cans of soup, a bag of rice, or a few minutes helping stock shelves can make a real difference.

More Local Resources

• 211 Helpline: Call 211 or visit 211.org for up-to-date information on food, housing, and family resources in Arlington-Alexandria.
• Feeding America: Find additional food pantries at FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.

Macaroni KID Arlington-Alexandria is here to support local families — whether it’s finding fun things to do or helping when times are tough. Because being part of Arlington-Alexandria means showing up for each other — and we’re always here to help you find what your family needs.