Arlington Community Members Tackle Teen Hunger

On Saturday, March 9th, 205 Arlington households donated food and toiletries to help students attending the Arlington Career Center, Gunston MS, Kenmore MS, Arlington Community HS, Wakefield HS, and Washington-Liberty HS. The generous donors were part of over 2,000 contributing community members–a record Food For Neighbors (FFN) collection that yielded over 26,500 pounds of donations for hungry students attending 47 partnering schools in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun counties.

“Food For Neighbors is thrilled to reach this major milestone,” shared Karen Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of Food For Neighbors. “We greatly appreciate the generosity of our Red Bag donors as well as our hands-on volunteers who collect, sort, and deliver the donations.”

Food For Neighbors’ many community volunteers continue to do all they can to help students in need. According to a recent report from the Virginia Department of Education’s Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs, as of October 31, 2023, 31.62% of students attending Arlington County Public Schools are eligible for free and reduced price school meals. This is nearly a one and one half percentage point increase from the previous year’s report.

Joseph explained, “For many students, the free and reduced price school meals are their major source of nutrition. During evenings, weekends, and school holidays, they may not be receiving enough food to live active, healthy lives. Food For Neighbors is trying to fill this food gap so students can grow and learn.”

Food For Neighbors maintains ongoing communication with its many school partners, and has received feedback that the food is impacting students positively in many ways. School staff report that the majority of students served seem to be in a better mood and appear more alert and energetic. The majority also attend school more regularly and focus better on their studies, with many improving their grades. The connection over food is helping students develop or grow relationships with school staff, who can then identify any additional resources the students may need. These significant outcomes give students a better chance to reach their full potential. This lifts up the students, their families, and the community as a whole.

Dr. Lori Wiggins, Principal, Arlington Community High School, noted "The impact of the partnership with FFN and Arlington Community High School is immeasurable. Being able to offer food for students who are taking evening classes without meal services supports their learning by providing fuel to engage in learning after a long day of work. The partnership also allows us to support students who need a food bridge between Friday and Monday. And lastly, having FFN food available during the day contributes to creating a school environment that supports the whole-student by meeting the foundational need for food so that students are available for learning and not distracted by hunger."

More food and toiletries are needed for Arlington area schools. Food For Neighbors invites you to make a difference by registering as a Red Bag donor. Food For Neighbors will leave a “red bag” with the grocery list and collection dates on your doorstep, send a kind reminder when it’s time to shop, and pick up your donations from your home. It’s that easy! To sign up, visit the Red Bag Program page. Together, we make a difference!