Vaccine, Food Distribution Event Comes To Sterling On Thursday

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A vaccination and food distribution event is coming to Sterling on Thursday, July 22. The event will begin at Sugarland Elementary school at 10 a.m.

Like all vaccination events, there is no cost to Thursday's program. In addition to a coronavirus vaccine and regular food distribution from Loudoun Hunger Relief, books will be available from the Loudoun Literacy Council, pet food will be distributed by Loudoun County Animal Services, and nutrition advice will be administered by SNAP-Ed.

Everyone is welcome, though vaccines are only available for people aged 12 or older. Every vaccinated person will also receive a grocery gift card.

Jennifer Montgomery is the Deputy Director for Supporter Engagement with Loudoun Hunger Relief. "At Loudoun Hunger, we know that accessing health and human services can be challenging for a number of reasons including transportation, work schedules, child care, and language barriers," Montgomery said. "Our goal is always to reduce barriers so that community members can access the services they need, whenever an opportunity presents itself."

Loudoun Hunger Relief regularly hosts community food distribution events on Thursday mornings in Sugarland. This week, in an effort to reduce barriers to vaccination, the Loudoun County Health Department decided to join the event.

"We often try to have multiple partner organizations offer an array of services during our food distributions, reducing the need to visit various places and saving time," Montgomery said. "We believe that working with our school, government and nonprofit partners makes it easier for folks to get what they need."

See also: Loudoun's Vaccination Clinic To Close In August

Loudoun County's mass vaccination site at Dulles Town Center in Sterling is scheduled to shut down next month. Now, the county's health department is working to bring vaccines to people and make things easier for residents who would like to be vaccinated.

57 percent of Loudoun County's population is fully vaccinated, according to data released by the health department on Monday. 61 percent of children are fully vaccinated, as are 71 percent of all adults in the county.

Loudoun Hunger Relief operates a food pantry in Leesburg in addition to mobile sites in Sterling and Purcellville. More information is available on their website or by calling 703-777-5911.