photo by Vina Sananikone
From a press release:
“September 27th marks the grand opening of the Marion Barry Avenue Market and cafe in Anacostia (1303 Marion Barry Ave, SE), bringing fresh produce, groceries and a fast casual cafe to the historic Ward 8. The new market is designed as a community hub to provide much needed, convenient access to healthy foods, a demo kitchen for nutrition education and cooking classes, with indoor and outdoor seating to celebrate the rich culture of the neighborhood.
Marion Barry Avenue Market and Cafe is an initiative of Dreaming Out Loud, the non-profit dedicated to rebuilding urban community-based food systems, and supported by investments from both public and private partners, including the Longer Tables Fund, founded by Chef José Andrés, and Mayor Muriel Bowser through the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development’s (DMPED) Food Access Fund. Together, these partners are working to address urgent issues in food systems, social justice, education, and economic inclusion.
The cafe,
led by Food Hub Culinary Director & Chef, Devonte Howard, will feature a seasonal soul food inspired menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner that tastes like home while nourishing the body. Marion Barry Avenue Market works with regional farms and urban growers to offer fresh fruit and vegetables at prices shaped for accessibility, including sliding‑scale and voucher‑friendly options.
“Marion Barry is synonymous with transformation and inspiration. The Marion Barry Avenue Market & Cafe is a community food space for transformation of the status quo, as we work to end food apartheid. It’s not only about access to fresh, local produce but also economic development, and an inspirational vision of holistic community health,” shared Chris Bradshaw, Founder and Executive Director of Dreaming Out Loud.
“We stand on the shoulders of giants like Mayor for Life Marion Barry understanding the economic opportunities attached to food sovereignty. As a mother of three and a Ward 8 resident, I know first-hand that a strong hyperlocal food ecosystem strengthens our community’s resilience and that’s the spirit behind the Marion Barry Avenue Market & Cafe,” said Jaren Hill Lockridge.
“Marion Barry Avenue Market is not just a place to buy groceries or eat a delicious meal. It is where community begins, where food becomes the thing that connects us all together. I’m proud to support this market – and the amazing Dreaming Out Loud team behind it – as an investment in healthier futures, thriving communities, and longer tables where everyone can eat,” said Chef José Andrés, Founder of the Longer Tables Fund.
Marion Barry Avenue Market will have foods to carry-out as well as to enjoy on site with communal seating, an outside garden, a demonstration kitchen for rotating workshops and cooking classes, and pop‑up installations by local growers and food justice advocates.”