Farm-to-Families Aims To Bring Fresh Produce To Families In Need

ARLINGTON, VA — The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) is partnering with three local groups to launch Farm-to Families, an initiative to provide fresh produce to families in need throughout South Arlington.

BID's partners are FRESHFARM, a nonprofit promoting sustainable agriculture and food access; Friends of Urban Agriculture, a local group working to build a healthy future in Arlington by making food sufficient, affordable and sustainable; the Wakefield, Gunston and Hoffman-Boston parent teacher associations.

The BID donated approximately $10,000 to Farm-to Families, which will enable 150 families to receive a weekly supply of fruits and vegetables from FRESHFARM and its suppliers. The initiative is targeting families in-need in National Landing, Shirlington, Columbia Pike and the surrounding neighborhoods.

To extend the impact of BID's initial donation, the partners are inviting the public to contribute to the program. A donation of $15 will pay for one week's worth of produce for a family in the target communities. A $60 donation will provide a month's supply of produce.

“We continue to be inspired by the giving nature of the Arlington community and encouraged by all the ways that people have stepped up to lend a hand to their neighbors,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, president and executive director of the National Landing BID, in a release. “The BID and our many partners are excited to now generate community support for Farm-to-Families and further our collective mission to create a healthier community, especially at this difficult time.”

The Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO) recently launched its own food assistance program. The BID is coordinating its efforts with CPRO to help provide food assistance to families in the South Arlington community.

"CPRO is thrilled to see so many wonderful organizations coming together to serve families in need,” said Kim Klinger, CPRO executive director, in a release. “We’re excited to be working with the National Landing BID to ensure residents across our two communities have access to the food they need. It has also been heartening to work with AHC, Inc., Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Arlington Presbyterian Church, the Darla C. Ellis Memorial Fund, and the Cooperative for a Hunger Free Arlington these past few months."