Food for Others

Food for Others is an important part of Northern Virginia’s safety net for those needing food when an emergency strikes, and for the growing number of working poor who are unable to make ends meet and need to supplement their inadequate food supplies. Our Mission is to distribute free food to our neighbors in need, in partnership with our Northern Virginia community, and to provide opportunities for people to volunteer their resources.

Local merchants, the USDA, food drives, and crop harvests provide the food; volunteers and staff provide the hands; and charitable contributions and fundraising events provide the funds.

Warehouse Distributions

Free emergency food distributions are made from our warehouse and are given to people who are referred to us by social service providers throughout the area including social workers, clergy, hospitals, and schools. The amount can provide nutrition for a family for three-to-five days.

Families who meet U.S. Government income guidelines may also be eligible to receive USDA food supplements.

Neighborhood Site Distributions

Direct free food distributions are made at 16 street sites in low-income neighborhoods. We provide supplemental food for approximately 395 families each night at these sites. Eleven sites are in Fairfax County, three are in Arlington, and two are in Falls Church.

Community Partner Distributions

Hunger is a symptom of other problems: homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and health issues. Food for Others’ Community Partners fight these larger problems and are better able to maximize their resources with our help. We make bulk distributions of food to more than 25 other charitable organizations that support homeless shelters, and deliveries to the elderly, as well as church and community center pantries.

Power Pack Program (P3)

The Power Pack Program (P3) was created to provide elementary-school children with a food pack for the weekend. The packs contain two breakfast items, two lunch items, two dinner items, two snack items, and two drinks packed in a gallon-sized Ziplock bag. We need volunteers to donate food for the packs, assemble the packs, and/or deliver the packs to the elementary schools we serve for Friday distribution.