Coronavirus: Hungry? Here Are Some Food Banks Serving NoVA

WASHINGTON, DC — Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) shared information Wednesday with his constituents in the 8th Congressional District about food assistance resources available for residents of Northern Virginia who may be facing hard times due to the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19

“Even in these hard times there are community supports in place which should ensure that no one goes hungry," Beyer said, in a release. "We can help each other by sharing information, looking out for those who need assistance, and for those of us who have the ability, donating food and goods to these organizations."

Beyer identified the following food banks and community services available in Northern Virginia:

• The Federation of Virginia Food Banks lists local food pantries.
• Parents and families can find meal service sites near them via the (regularly updated) School Meal Finder.
• Families can also text “food” or “comida” to 877-877 to find food options near them, thanks to No Kid Hungry.
• Households in need may apply for SNAP right now. Each household must file an application for SNAP benefits with Social Services in the locality where you reside. Households may file applications by mail, by fax, by phone at 855-635-4370 or online via CommonHelp.
• Virginia recently obtained a waiver enabling seniors over 60 participating in the USDA Commodity Food Program through the Virginia Department of Agriculture to get more food in fewer deliveries during COVID-19 outbreak with no signatures needed. More information on that program including contact info is here.
• General assistance is available for people who need help with food security and other issues by dialing 2-1-1, where you can talk with an operator and get nutrition and food assistance information based on their address. 211 support is also available online.
• Free lunch programs remain available for children through public school systems in Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Falls Church.

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Local food banks supporting our community (thanks in part to your donations of food and goods) include the following:

• ALIVE! [Alexandria]
• Hunger Free Alexandria
• United Community [Alexandria]
• Arlington Food Assistance Center
• Food For Others [Fairfax]
• Homestretch [Falls Church]
• ECHO [Springfield]
• Share of McLean
• Lorton Community Action Center
• Capital Area Food Bank
• Meals On Wheels
• United Way of the National Capital Area
• Northern Virginia Family Service

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