Fresh Food, Music, and Community: Summer Markets Are Back!

Summer is here, and so are Martha’s Table’s Summer Markets!

All summer long, we are bringing fresh fruits, colorful vegetables, music, and plenty of joy to neighborhoods across Wards 7 and 8. These weekly pop-up markets make it easier for families to bring home fresh groceries while school is out.

Our Summer Markets are a chance to see familiar faces, meet new neighbors, enjoy music, and spend time together. Each market is shaped by the families, volunteers, partners, and community members who show up and make it special.

Fresh Food and Familiar Faces

Summer can bring new routines for families. Children are home from school, schedules change, and meals that were once served during the school day may need to be prepared at home.

Summer Markets help families fill their kitchens with foods they know, enjoy, and feel good serving. Families choose the items that make sense for them, whether that means fresh fruit for an afternoon snack, vegetables for dinner, or pantry staples to help meals stretch throughout the week.

Dr. Hayden, a foster parent, teacher, and caregiver for children with special needs, has seen the difference these markets can make. During the school year, she is a regular visitor to our Joyful Food Markets, which operate in 50 schools across Wards 7 and 8,

“Joyful Food Markets are impactful, needed, and vital resources,” she shared. “As a teacher, I see firsthand how essential these markets are.” – Dr. Hayden, parent

A Market Built Around Choice and Joy

Families know what their households need, and that’s why our markets are designed around choice, dignity, and ease. Neighbors are invited to browse the tables, choose their own groceries, and connect with others along the way. There are no prepacked boxes and no one-size-fits-all approach, so each family can select the foods that fit their tastes, traditions, and plans for the week.

The result is a market that feels less like a distribution and more like a community gathering.

There may be dancing. There will probably be laughter. And there will always be neighbors helping neighbors.

Find a Summer Market Near You

Ready to join us?

Visit a Summer Market to pick up fresh, healthy groceries, connect with neighbors, and celebrate summer with Martha’s Table. Shoppers, volunteers, and supporters all help bring these joyful community spaces to life.

Together, we are helping create a summer filled with fresh food, strong connections, and more opportunities for families to thrive.

Summer Market Locations and Hours

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
• Tuesdays: Richard England Clubhouse 14, 4103 Benning Road NE
• Wednesdays: Martha’s Outfitters, 2204 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, 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

*Market schedules and available items may change. Groceries are offered at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis.

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 30 to August 14, 2026

Sign up for a volunteer shift