This is not food insecurity.
This is food apartheid.
Ward 8 has one full-service grocery store for 75,000 residents — no regular farmers' markets. Residents survive on processed corner-store goods, driving disproportionate rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Dr. Mary A. Roach treats this as the public health emergency it is.
Food is medicine.
What if the prescription was fresh produce? What if the clinic was a park? What if every family could access care — with free, no cost, no barriers?
A Clinically Directed Pantry
We partner with grocery stores across the DMV to bring fresh produce, lean proteins, and nutrient-dense foods directly to Ward 8 every single week.
See it in action.
From the back of a truck to the hands of a family — this is what radical accessibility looks like.
See Us in Action
Led by a doctor.
One pharmacist decided that Ward 8 deserved the same quality of care as any neighborhood in America. So she built it herself.
Dr. Mary A. Roach
Dr. Roach founded The JJ Center on a conviction that food insecurity is not a resource shortage — it is a public health crisis requiring a clinical response. A licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, she has dedicated her career to the health, dignity, and economic empowerment of Ward 8 residents.
The JJ Center in the Spotlight
Recognized by national organizations, universities, and media for 20+ years of impact in Ward 8.
Your community awaits.
Create your free account and get live pantry updates, exclusive health videos, and access to every program — right in your pocket.
Your free account,
your community.
Create an account to receive live pantry updates, access health & wellness videos from our clinical team, and stay connected to every program serving Ward 8.
Create your free account to receive live pantry updates, health & wellness videos, workshop notifications, and more.
Create My Free Account → Already have an account? Sign in →Everything in one place.
Schedules, videos, workshops, alerts — your member dashboard puts the full power of The JJ Center at your fingertips.
Everything in one place
Live updates, wellness videos, workshop registration, and more — all in your dashboard.
Live Pantry Schedule
See this week's times and last-minute changes. Never miss a distribution.
🟢 This Saturday · 10am–2pmHealth & Wellness Library
Exclusive videos from Dr. Roach, MDs, PharmDs, and Nutritionists on managing chronic disease.
🆕 3 New VideosUpcoming Workshops
Register for on-site Healthy Living workshops — diabetes, nutrition, blood pressure control.
Next: June 7thProgram Alerts
Get notified about holiday drives, new services, special events, and community announcements.
SMS & EmailMy Health Resources
Personalized nutrition guides and chronic disease resources curated for your household.
PersonalizedVolunteer Sign-Up
Healthcare professionals and community volunteers can book shifts. Browse open roles on Idealist.
View on Idealist →We can't do this alone.
Churches, businesses, healthcare professionals, philanthropists — every partner multiplies the impact for Ward 8 families.
Three ways to partner
with The JJ Center
Your organization can make a direct, measurable impact on health and lives in Ward 8.
Underwrite Clinical Workshops
Fund educational materials, glucose & blood pressure monitoring supplies, and fresh food demo kits for our medical team's multi-week workshop series.
Sponsor Our DMV Grocery Route
Fund the weekly transportation costs of sourcing fresh, healthy food from grocery partners across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
Join Our Medical & Volunteer Alliance
Healthcare professionals join our clinical volunteer rotation. General volunteers assist with dignified, community-facing food distribution events.
Every dollar matters.
Transportation, fresh food, medical supplies, clinical expertise — your donation funds it all and keeps every distribution free.
Every dollar
feeds a family.
Your donation funds fresh food, transportation, clinical workshops, and medical screenings — all free to every resident who needs them.
The JJ Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible.
Volunteer opportunities posted on Idealist — clinical, distribution & community roles available.