Food is both a theme and a cause at Dance Place in Washington, D.C., in April, when its dance company in residence, Deborah Riley Dance Projects, premieres Chew on This with the assistance of 14 members of Dance Place’s repertory and performance class.

The performances April 17 and 18 are described as a commentary on world hunger, the food industry, and nutrition. They also mark the final days of a weeklong food drive at Dance Place to benefit the Capital Area Food Bank. Audience members are encouraged to bring packaged, nonperishable food donations to the theater.

Riley, who is also co-director of Dance Place, has combined dance and spoken word with some innovative uses of the venue’s studio theater. Tickets are $22 for general admission; $17 for seniors, students, teachers, artists, and Dance Place members; and $8 for children 17 and younger. To buy them, visit www.danceplace.org or call 202.269.1600.