Food Donations Needed In Response To Shutdown In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The City of Alexandria is asking residents to help with a continuing food drive to assist federal government workers and contractors during the federal government shutdown. A food drive will stop in Alexandria on Friday, Jan. 25, while another food bank is collecting donations all weekdays.

The food collection drive sponsored by Howard University, WHUR 96.3 and FedEx, will be at Alexandria’s Market Square Friday from noon-2 p.m. Anyone is encouraged to bring non-perishable food to help fill a FedEx truck for the Capital Area Food Bank, which is hosting free grocery markets for furloughed workers and contractors weekly during the shutdown.

Items needed are canned or dry beans, peanut butter, canned vegetables (low sodium or no salt added, grains (brown and white rice, pasta, macaroni), hot and cold cereal (oatmeal, cornflakes, raisin bran, etc.), canned tuna, salmon or chicken, healthy snacks, canned fruit (in light syrup or in its own juices); and 100 percent juices (all sizes, including juice boxes).

With the shutdown continuing beyond a month, there has been higher demand from food banks. Officials believe the increased need will last months beyond the shutdown.

If you can't make the Friday donation drive, donations are being accepted weekdays at the ALIVE! food bank, 801 S. Payne Street) from 8:30 a.m.-noon.

On Friday, President Trump said a deal has been reached that would reopen the federal government for three weeks and end the partial shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.

SEE ALSO:

• Alexandria Government Offers Resources For Furloughed Workers
  
• Alexandria Girl Helps Coast Guard Families Amid Shutdown

Image via Emily Leayman/Patch