Nearly 1,000 Food For Neighbors volunteers supported 54 schools and over 10,000 students in Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun counties by collecting and sorting more than 28,000 pounds of food for local school children on Sept. 13.
The spirit of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort each September to raise awareness about food insecurity and inspire action, was evident as volunteers and community organizations partnered to relieve hunger in local schools.
Nearly 1,000 Food For Neighbors volunteers supported 54 schools and over 10,000 students in Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun counties by collecting and sorting more than 28,000 pounds of food for local school children on Sept. 13.
“Because of this community, students are starting the year with one less worry and families know their neighbors truly care,” said Karen Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of Food For Neighbors.
At a food sorting event at Herndon Middle School, Joseph accepted a $20,000 grant from Journey for Good Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to fighting poverty through food, shelter, education, and workforce development and the charitable arm of Avolta in North America.
Food For Neighbors, now in its ninth year, helps schools establish in-house food pantries and mobilizes local communities to fill them with food and toiletries donated through the non-profit’s Red Bag Program.
Despite Northern Virginia being among the most affluent areas in the state, over 1 in 3 students in Fairfax County and more than 1 in 4 students in Arlington and Loudoun counties qualified for free or reduced-price school meals during the last school year. Food For Neighbors works to ensure that food is readily accessible to students during the school day and to take home over weekends and holidays.
Food For Neighbors invites you to help end teen food insecurity by registering as a Red Bag donor. The group will leave a “Red Bag” with the grocery list and collection dates on your doorstep, send a reminder when it’s time to shop, and pick up the donations from your home. It’s that easy! To learn more visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved/.