It's World Food Day!

October 16, 2021 is World Food Day, a day celebrating the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the commitment to conquering hunger. According to the FAO, more than 2 billion people lack reliable sources of sufficient food that is safe and nutritious. This includes children in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Food For Neighbors greatly appreciates its many volunteers, donors, and partners for helping to combat hunger, and the nonprofit invites additional community members to join the fight.

“As we are a grassroots nonprofit that mobilizes residents to address food insecurity in their neighborhoods, we rely heavily on community support,” noted Karen Joseph, Co-founder of Food For Neighbors. “Our volunteers, donors, and partners make a direct impact on the many middle and high school students we serve in 24 schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.”

Food For Neighbors thanks the over 1,500 households registered to donate approximately $45 of food five times per year, the over 1,000 community members who have volunteered to collect and sort it, and the 24 participating schools that connect food resources to students in need. It also thanks the wonderful individual donors, foundations, businesses, and other steadfast partners that make the full range of Food For Neighbors programs possible.

With the need for food assistance growing and exacerbated by the health costs and job loss associated with the pandemic, Food For Neighbors has several notable goals for the 2021-2022 school year. These are:

Bringing its food services to five new schools in Northern Virginia;

Expanding its popular Red Bag Program, Holiday Food Program, and Grocery Gift Card Program at currently participating schools, where necessary to address growing need;

Formalizing its Pantry Program;

Rolling out a new Toiletry Program; and

Raising awareness and inspiring new business partnerships, food donors, and volunteers as well as celebrating their excellent work in five operational areas throughout Northern Virginia.

Financial donations are key to helping Food For Neighbors expand to offer more support to students at currently-participating schools and to those at new schools requesting services. To learn more about Food For Neighbors and make a tax-deductible donation, please visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/. With less than 3% of Food For Neighbors’ overall expected expenditures going toward General/Administrative and Fundraising items, your donation will make a big, positive impact on area students.