27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing: How to Volunteer in DC

Nov 06, 2026

by United Way NCA

Key Facts

  • What: The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing, presented by Events DC in partnership with United Way NCA.
  • When: Wednesday, November 25, 2026, the day before Thanksgiving.
  • Where: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001.
  • Event Hours: Doors open at 9 a.m., with meal service from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Volunteer shifts and report times vary, so check your registration confirmation for your assigned schedule.
  • Volunteer Arrival: Arrive 30 minutes before your selected shift. Check your registration confirmation for your assigned time.
  • How to Volunteer: Register Now. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and everyone must register individually.

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing returns to Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026, bringing neighbors together for a Thanksgiving celebration the day before the holiday. Presented by Events DC in partnership with United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA), this annual tradition relies on community volunteers to help make the day welcoming for everyone.

Whether you’re looking to give back before Thanksgiving or find a meaningful way to support your community, volunteering is an opportunity to make a difference. Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help make the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing a welcoming experience for guests. Learn more about the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing and register to volunteer.

What Is Safeway’s Feast of Sharing?

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing is a longstanding Washington, D.C., Thanksgiving tradition that brings community members together for a day of food, connection, and access to local resources. Presented by Events D.C. in partnership with United Way NCA, the event takes place the day before Thanksgiving at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

This year, guests will enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, connect with local resources, and participate in entertainment, including Sit and Be Fit. The dining hall opens at 10:45 a.m., and meal service will run from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing needs hundreds of volunteers to serve guests throughout the event. Current volunteer opportunities are focused on table servers who help ensure guests feel welcomed and supported during the Thanksgiving holiday.

This is an in-person, one-day volunteer opportunity at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown Washington, D.C. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and everyone must register individually. Group registration is not currently available.

Volunteer shifts have assigned arrival times, so plan to arrive 30 minutes before the start of your selected shift. Check your registration confirmation and the Know Before You Go email for your specific arrival instructions, check-in location, and other event-day details.

Ready to help? Register to volunteer at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing.

How to Sign Up in 3 Steps

Signing up to volunteer at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing is simple. Follow these three steps to secure your spot:

  1. Choose a shift: Visit the volunteer registration page to review the available shifts and select one that works for you.
  2. Complete the registration form: Provide the requested information to register. Each volunteer must submit their own registration, as group registration is currently unavailable.
  3. Check your confirmation email: Look for your registration confirmation, which includes your selected shift and arrival instructions. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled shift.

Ready to give back this Thanksgiving? Register Now to volunteer at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing.

What to Expect on Event Day

Before heading to the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing, review these event-day details to help make your volunteer experience as smooth as possible.

Getting There: The Walter E. Washington Convention Center is accessible by Metro. The closest stations are Mt. Vernon Square/7th St-Convention Center on the Green and Yellow lines and Gallery Place on the Red Line. Limited street parking is also available.

Volunteer Check-In: Enter through the Mt. Vernon Entrance and head upstairs to the registration tables in front of Room 202. Arrive 30 minutes before your selected shift and check your registration confirmation for your assigned time.

What to Wear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. Volunteers will receive a T-shirt at check-in, so plan to wear comfortable clothing suitable for an active day of serving guests.

Good to Know: The Health and Resource Fair runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and meal service takes place from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests looking for additional assistance can connect with community organizations at the Resource Fair to learn about available local programs and resources.

Attending as a Guest

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing takes place on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Doors open at 9 a.m., and meal service runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

If you’re planning to attend as a guest, visit the official event page for the latest information about attendance and event details. For additional assistance throughout the year, explore United Way NCA’s find support resources.

Why It Matters

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing reflects the importance of community support and ensuring neighbors have access to resources that help them thrive. For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households across the National Capital Area, the cost of everyday essentials can make financial stability difficult, even for those who work.

Through community partnerships and programs, United Way NCA works to improve the healthy community, advance youth opportunity, and support financial security for our ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) neighbors across our region. Events like the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing bring people together and create opportunities to support neighbors facing financial challenges.

More Ways to Get Involved

Volunteering at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing is one way to support your community. United Way NCA offers additional opportunities to make a difference throughout the year:

Volunteer at the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing

Help make Thanksgiving more welcoming for neighbors across our region. The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing needs volunteers like you to serve guests on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026. Sign up for an available shift and be part of a community tradition that supports our ALICE neighbors and brings people together.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help make the 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing a success. Sign up today to serve guests and support your community. Register Now to Volunteer.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Safeway Feast of Sharing in 2026?

The 27th Annual Safeway Feast of Sharing takes place Wednesday, November 25, 2026, the day before Thanksgiving.

Where is the Safeway Feast of Sharing held?

The event takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001.

How do I volunteer at the Feast of Sharing?

Visit the volunteer registration page, select an available shift, and complete the registration form.

Can my company or group volunteer together?

Group registration is currently unavailable. Individuals can still volunteer, but everyone must register separately.

Do I need to register to volunteer?

Yes. All volunteers must register individually and be at least 12 years old.

Is the Feast of Sharing free to attend?

Yes. The event is free to attend, and guests can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and connect with local organizations at the Health and Resource Fair.

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