Become a Food Rescuer

Join the 470+ volunteers rescuing food across the DMV.

Save fresh food from going to landfill

&

Support local residents with limited food access
DC Food Rescue volunteer holding a box of donated produce.

Make a Difference, on Your Schedule

Our volunteering model is designed for maximum convenience and independence.

  • No weekly commitment

  • Opportunities all over the DMV area

  • Any day of the week, even holidays

  • Bike-friendly options

  • Flexible timing

DC Food Rescue volunteer preparing to load up his car with donated food.

Four Easy Steps

Register as a Volunteer

Sign up below!

Browse available food rescues in the app and pick one that works for you.

Claim a Rescue that Fits Your Schedule

The app has all of the details you need, and our team is available to troubleshoot.

Follow Our Instructions for Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Use the app to record how much food you saved today. You’ve just completed your first food rescue!

Share Your Impact

DC Food Rescue volunteers smiling with a food donation outside of a family shelter in Bethesda, MD.

Ready to Rescue?

Food Rescuer Voices

  • Mitchell, Washington, DC

    As a hotel industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, I have seen more than my share of food waste. Volunteering for DC Food Rescue allows me to literally be a vehicle for changing this equation. Knowing that the food I rescue is regularly consumed same day, immediately impacting those in need, is both humbling and the greatest reward.

  • Dennis, Arlington, VA

    People go to bed without food every night, right here in our area. Being able to make good, nourishing food available to people who aren’t as fortunate as some of the rest of us makes you feel like you’re a small part of the solution.

  • Joe, Bethesda, MD

    Thanks for all that you do to feed people and prevent perfectly edible food from ending up in landfills! It’s a win for EVERYONE involved.

  • Janet, Washington, DC

    Every Wednesday, I pick up 300+ pounds of food generously donated by the World Bank. The best part is when I deliver it, and there's a group waiting for me with carts to unload the haul. They thank me profusely each week. It really makes me feel good to know that the donation is so appreciated by everyone who lives there.

  • Brian, Arlington, VA

    I love doing the pickups and deliveries. As a retired elementary school principal who had a free breakfast, lunch, and weekend take-home meal program in my school, I so appreciate what you are doing and am honored to lend a hand to your amazing cause.

  • Jessica, Washington, DC

    We brought food to a shelter, and the people there were so excited to receive it and started immediately discussing what to make with it, how they would use it for the next meal. It was gratifying to know that it was appreciated and clearly needed

DC Food Rescue is powered by Food Rescue US