Bridging the Summer Meal Gap: Summer Markets Are Back!

School’s almost out, the days are longer, and summer is fun right around the corner. But for many families in DC, this time of year also brings added stress, especially when it comes to putting food on the table.

During the school year, many elementary, middle school, and high school students count on free or reduced-price meals from the cafeteria. When summer hits and those meals disappear, it can leave families scrambling to cover the gap. That’s where Martha’s Table Summer Markets come in.

What Are Summer Markets?

Summer Markets are our way of making sure families have access to fresh, healthy groceries while school is out. These pop-up markets are set up weekly in neighborhoods across Ward 7 and 8, offering fruits, vegetables, and healthy pantry staples at no cost.

Summer Markets feature:

• Fresh Produce: Take home seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Food Demos: Learn new recipes and cooking tips.
• Food Samples: Taste-test healthy snacks.

Families can walk through and shop with dignity, choosing the foods that work best for their households. There are no long forms and no barriers, just good food for our neighbors.

“During the school year, we partner with the Capital Area Food Bank and Dreaming Out Loud to operate more than 50 monthly Joyful Food Markets, promoting healthy eating among elementary school students in Wards 7 and 8. But when school is out, our Summer Joyful Food Markets step in to ensure families continue to have access to fresh, nutritious food.” – Roselind Brown, Director of Healthy Foods

Where Are Summer Markets?

Our vibrant markets pop up at eight locations across the District, every week from Tuesday to Friday, between 1:00 pm. and 3:00 pm.

• Tuesdays: Fort Stanton Recreation Center, 1812 Erie Street, SE
• Tuesdays: Woody Ward Recreation Center, 5100 Southern Avenue, SE
• Wednesdays: Martha’s Outfitters, 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE
• Wednesdays: Hillcrest Recreation Center, 3100 Denver Street, SE
• Thursdays: Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street, NE
• Thursdays: Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2409 Ainger Place, SE
• Fridays: Benning Stoddert Recreation Center, 100 Stoddert Place SE
• Fridays: Rosedale Recreation Center, 1701 Gales Street, NE

Note: Summer Markets will not operate on June 27 or July 4.

Why Do Summer Markets Matter?

Food insecurity spikes during the summer months, but it’s not always talked about. At Martha’s Table, we know how hard this time can be. We’re here to help make it a little easier.

Our Summer Markets are more than just a way to get groceries. They’re about community, connection, and making sure no one feels alone in trying to make ends meet.

How Can You Help?

We can’t do this without you. Whether it’s your time, a donation, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support goes a long way.

• Volunteer with us at a Summer Market. As a volunteer, you’ll team up with our Market Leaders to knock out setup and keep things running smoothly so every neighbor has an easy, upbeat, and joyful grocery pick-up experience.

• Donate to help keep the markets stocked.

• Share this info with someone who could use a little extra support this summer.

• Visit a market from June 24 to August 15.

Learn more about our Summer Joyful Food Markets and how to get involved at marthastable.org/jfms.