Fill The Cruiser Event To Collect Food For Those In Need

ARLINGTON, VA — For the second year in a row, Arlington County Police Department's Community Resources Section is hosting a Fill the Cruiser Food Drive in support of the Arlington Food Assistance Center.

Each week, AFAC serves more than 2,400 county households by providing access to free, nutritious, supplemental groceries. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the center has seen a increase in the number of family requesting assistance.

The Community Resources Section hopes to exceed last year's collection of 6,509 pounds of food to assist AFAC's mission. Officer will be collecting donations on Tuesday, May 18, from 6-8 p.m., at the following locations:

• Giant Food – 2901 S. Glebe Road
• Safeway – 3713 Lee Highway
• Westover Baptist Church – 1125 Patrick Henry Drive

To drop off donations by car, donors can stay in their vehicle until they reach the unloading area. Once they're there, an office will remove the donations from their car. Separate areas will be set up so that donors can drop off food safely by foot or bike. Donors are asked to wear a mask and follow proper social distancing guidelines.

AFAC is accepting unopened, unexpired, and unprepared foods, including perishable items. The greatest need is for items that are low sodium, low fat, or low sugar. Here are some suggested donations:

• Low sodium canned tomatoes
• Low sodium canned tuna
• Low sodium canned soups
• Canned vegetables
• Peanut butter (in plastic jars)
• Low sugar cereal

Those who can't make it to the Fill the Cruiser event can find a nearby location to drop of food by visiting AFAC's website.

On May 18 from 6 - 8PM, ACPD will host the 2nd Annual Fill the Cruiser Food Drive to Support @AFACfeeds. Last year, we collected 6,509 lbs of food for our neighbors in need! Help us exceed this amount by donating at one of three locations. Details: https://t.co/Z9UvlrzoFH pic.twitter.com/JQ8hmEeSgI
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) April 29, 2021

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2021, about 42 million Americans may not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.