What is SHARE and how can I participate?

            SHARE is a non-profit community development organization offering a nutritious food package (about a $40.00 - $45.00 value) to anyone for $18.00 (add transportation in some areas) plus two hours of volunteer service.  SHARE is not a governmental program and is funded solely by the price of the food package.

            Each package contains 14-15 items consisting of 6-8 lbs. of meat, fresh fruits, vegetables, and staple grocery items (e.g., rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.).  The package is designed to supplement a family's food budget with savings of up to 60% over local grocery store prices.

            By pooling thousands of dollars across the nation, SHARE purchases food at wholesale prices and passes the savings on to its participants.  Volunteers re-package food purchased in bulk and distribute it throughout a network of SHARE Host Sites (Host Organizations) in the DC Metropolitan area.

What is the SHARE Specialty Package?

          Occasionally, SHARE will offer a special package geared toward the holidays or season.  For example, Turkey Packages are offered during the Thanksgiving Holiday distribution, a Superbowl Party Package is offered in January, and a Steak Package is offered in the spring and summer.  These special packages still enable participants to receive quality food at a great price!

            People become involved with SHARE to save money and because they enjoy helping others.  SHARE is open to anyone who wishes to participate by giving two hours of volunteer service and paying $18 (add transportation in some areas) for the monthly food package. There are no income or other eligibility guidelines.

            A SHARE Host Site is an organization that is sponsored by a church, school, community or neighborhood group, and in partnership with SHARE, agrees to...

• Promote the SHARE mission and philosophy in their community and provide caring service motivated by a desire to help others.
• Register participants and organize community service opportunities.
• Report monthly food orders and remit payment to SHARE on Order Turn-In Day.
• Provide adequate transportation and a distribution site for SHARE food packages each month.

For more information about becoming a SHARE Host Site, please call 301-864-3115 or
1-800-217-4273.

Is SHARE a charity?

          SHARE is a self-help program.  Each person who participates in the network helps themselves obtain affordable and nutritious groceries.

Is the food in the SHARE Package donated?

          No.  The food is purchased with the money that participants contribute.  Each month, quality food is purchased through smart buying and a network of national vendors.

Does SHARE take food away from places that serve the needy?

          No.  Food pantries, soup kitchens, and rescue programs rely upon donated and recycled items.  All of SHARE's food is purchased fresh each month.  Actually, programs for the needy can benefit from SHARE in many ways.  We have forged many community partnerships with these organizations.

How can I pay for my SHARE Package?

          SHARE accepts cash, money orders, organizational checks, food stamps or EBT cards as a form of payment.  Packages cost $18.00.  However, some participants may pay an additional $.50-$1.00 for transportation fees.

How can SHARE provide good, supermarket-quality food packages for only $18.00?

     There are two primary reasons why SHARE can do this.  First, we purchase food in bulk for our participants and therefore the prices are substantially lower.  Second, the power of volunteerism enables us to distribute tons of food at minimal costs.  Volunteers make SHARE work.  Essentially, we are pooling our resources to achieve common goals and achieve SHARE's mission.