THe Mission

DC Central Kitchen’s mission is to use food as a tool to strengthen bodies, empower minds, and build communities.

our model

DC Central Kitchen (DCCK) is an iconic nonprofit and social enterprise that combats hunger and poverty through job training and job creation. The organization provides hands-on culinary job training for individuals facing high barriers to employment while creating living wage jobs and bringing nutritious, dignified food where it is most needed. DCCK’s social ventures include serving scratch-cooked farm-to-school meals in DC schools, delivering fresh, affordable produce to corner stores in neighborhoods without supermarkets, and operating fast-casual cafes throughout the District of Columbia.

Watch below to see how we fight hunger differently. 

CAPITAL FOOD FIGHT

DC Central Kitchen returns on November 6, 2025 at one of our city’s most beloved concert venues, The Anthem! Join us for an evening of fighting hunger differently-where we will reflect on our impact over the past year, lay the foundation for all the work yet to be done, and celebrate the talent and resiliency of our restaurant community. Long known as one of the region’s best culinary events, Capital Food Fight provides partners a unique and unmatched opportunity to promote brands, entertain clients, and be publicly recognized for investments in our shared community.
 
Take a tour through Capital Food Fight over the years with us via this timeline!