In Washington, DC, the first call depends on whether the need is a meal at a site, home delivery, benefits guidance, or caregiver support. The Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) screens and refers; Iona Senior Services runs a community center with cultural and language-access services; DC Central Kitchen participates as a meal provider in District-referred programs.
DACL’s Information & Referral/Assistance unit serves adults age 60 and older, adults with disabilities ages 18 to 59, and caregivers. Call (202) 724-5626, Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the office is at 500 K Street NE. Staff can guide SNAP and Medicaid applications, transportation, nutrition, housing, long-term planning, hospital discharge, and respite. A call does not replace a program’s eligibility decision.
The District’s nutrition network includes more than 40 community dining sites across all eight wards and prepared meals delivered to adults age 60 and older. DACL says spouses of homebound adults or adults with disabilities may qualify in some cases. Its page also states that the Food4Choice pilot has reached capacity and is closed to new participants; for food, confirm the current site list and intake route with I&RA.
For a community setting with activities and guidance, Iona API Senior Center serves District residents age 60 and older at 1739 9th Street NW. It offers congregate meals, activities, case management, benefits help, interpretation, transportation coordination, and links to home-health services. Call (202) 895-9448 about the calendar, languages, accessibility, and paperwork; monthly schedules change.
When home-delivered meals are assigned, DC Central Kitchen may participate as a provider through DACL contracts and referrals. It is not a separate open-enrollment application for seniors: begin with the District and ask which neighborhood lead agency and provider will serve the address. If the person can leave home, DACL’s list points to meal sites; if not, request delivery screening. Confirm diet, frequency, start date, and whom to call if the client cannot answer the door.
Before calling, note the ward and full address, age, mobility, preferred language, insurance, and most urgent need. Ask which office receives the referral, what paperwork is required, and the estimated timeline. Meals, a senior center, and care coordination are separate programs; a practical plan may use more than one depending on need and availability.
Information & Referral/Assistance — DC Department of Aging and Community Living.
Aging and Disability Resource Center — DC Office of Disability Rights.
Nutrition — DC Department of Aging and Community Living.
FY26 Community Dining Sites — DC Department of Aging and Community Living.
API Senior Center — Iona Senior Services.
Community Meals — DC Central Kitchen.
Contact Directory — DC Central Kitchen.
Directions — DC Central Kitchen.
Information checked against official program and provider pages on October 23, 2026. Eligibility, fees, waitlists, and availability must be confirmed with each administrator.
Start with DACL for screening and referral; then confirm with Iona or the assigned provider which location, hours, and service apply to the home address.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
DC Department of Aging and Community Living — Information, Referral and Nutrition
500 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
DACL accepts inquiries from adults age 60 and older, people with disabilities ages 18 to 59, and caregivers; its information unit assesses needs and connects residents with support. The FY26 directory lists 45 meal sites across eight wards, and the department also delivers meals to eligible older adults at home.
Public aging and nutrition services
Iona Senior Services — Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Service Center
1739 9th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
Iona’s API Senior Center serves District residents age 60 and older with activities, meals, case management, benefits guidance, and language-access services. It is located within New Bethel Baptist Church and accepts inquiries by phone or email.
Nonprofit community senior center
DC Central Kitchen — Community Meals and DACL Meal Partnership
2121 First Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
DC Central Kitchen prepares and distributes community meals and partners with DACL on deliveries to older adults referred by the District. It is not an open, stand-alone enrollment route for that senior service; published access starts with DACL screening and referral.
Community meals nonprofit
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Office of Disability Rights · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Iona Senior Services · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Department of Aging and Community Living — Information, Referral and Nutrition ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Department of Aging and Community Living — Information, Referral and Nutrition ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
Iona Senior Services · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Iona Senior Services — Asian and Pacific Islander Senior Service Center ↗
Primary source
DC Department of Aging and Community Living · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Central Kitchen — Community Meals and DACL Meal Partnership ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Central Kitchen — Community Meals and DACL Meal Partnership ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of DC Central Kitchen — Community Meals and DACL Meal Partnership ↗
Primary source
DC Central Kitchen · Accessed October 23, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.