When I tell people I work at the Lorton Branch of the Capital Area Food Bank, many people tilt their heads inquisitively and ask, “There are hungry people in Northern Virginia?”
Although home to two of the wealthiest counties in the nation, Northern Virginia has many people who need emergency and long-term food assistance. But as the calendar year comes to a close, I want to focus on the positive.
This year, the food bank had a lot of wonderful moments in Virginia. As part of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, we benefited from the Legal Food Frenzy, the Governor’s Bowl and the Holiday Hoops Classic. So many helped to bring the community together to collect food and funds to make sure that we could supply food to those in need in Virginia. Each of these events is a friendly competition and winners even receive trophies! Other food drives, including Feds Feed Families, Boy Scouts, Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals contributed to our success. And of course, the major grocery chains all help the food bank serve the community.
Our partner agencies are stronger than ever, and continue to serve the community with such compassion. We know that without their rolled-up sleeves, we would not be able to reach all of those who need assistance to put food on their tables.
In Northern Virginia, our service region includes the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties as well as the City of Alexandria. The need reaches far and wide, and we can always use more help. If you are in any of these areas and are a church or a 501(c)(3), we would love you to join as a partner to serve those in your community. This year, we distributed a record number of pounds and we know that we will continue to build capacity as we go.
Looking toward 2013, we know that we are only as strong as our network of supporters. Our continued success is dependent upon community involvement. We look forward to the new year and breaking records together.