The ’08 recession and later the pandemic brought a huge increase in the number of people seeking emergency food. The high cost of living in Northern Virginia, along with inflation and supply chain issues, only exacerbate the problem: some neighbors simply can't meet their families' basic needs. FFO is the first stop for those in crisis (including working families with children), providing emergency food to those without, bulk supplies to community partners, supplementary food at 11 neighborhood sites and nine mobile sites in underserved neighborhoods, and weekend "power packs" to 3,700 students at 43 Fairfax County public schools. 33% of the food distributed is fresh produce and nearly 900,000 pounds is gleaned through food recovery efforts. Volunteers logged approximately 29,000 hours last year while FFO continued to serve over 3,000 families a week – because no one should be left hungry.
Headquarters: VA-Fairfax County
Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County; VA-Fairfax County; VA-Loudoun County; VA-Prince William County; VA-City of Alexandria; VA-City of Fairfax; VA-City of Falls Church; Annandale; Bailey's Cross Roads; Culmore; Burke - Summit Oaks; Burke - Crevenna Oaks; Fairfax Circle; Seven Corners - Willston; Seven Corners - Patrick Henry; Springfield Gardens; Springfield - Chelsea Square; Springfield - Edsall Park; Falls Church - Ellison; Falls Church - Hollywood; Arlington - South Dickerson; Arlington - Barcroft; Arlington - Gunston
Age Groups Served: All
Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Asian American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Native American
Population(s) Served: Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members
Schools They Work In: Annandale Terrace Elementary School; Beech Tree Elementary School; Belvedere Elementary School; Braddock Elementary School; Camelot Elementary School; Center Ridge Elementary School; Fairfax Villa Elementary School; Forest Edge Elementary School; Forestdale Elementary School; Freedom Hill Elementary School; Graham Road Elementary School; Herndon Elementary School; Lake Anne Elementary School; Louise Archer Elementary School; Mason Crest Elementary School; Mount Eagle Elementary School; Parklawn Elementary School; Riverside Elementary School; Rose Hill Elementary School; Shrevewood Elementary School; Sleepy Hollow Elementary School; Springfield Estates Elementary School; Timber Lane Elementary School; Woodburn Elementary School; Woodlawn Elementary School; Virginia Run Elementary School; Belle View Elementary School; Gum Springs Elementary School
Awards & Recognition
Featured in the 2010/11 Catalogue for Philanthropy.
"One of the best small charities in the Greater Washington region."
Featured in the 2014/15 Catalogue for Philanthropy.
Received 2014 Distinguished Partner award from Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Received Volunteer Administrator of the Year in 2013 from Northern Virginia Association for Volunteer Administration.
Received Volunteer Program of the Year award in 2014 from Volunteer Fairfax for Food for Others Power Pack Program.
Press
- Thanksgiving need at area food pantries reaches record levels
Mon Nov 22 2010, The Washington Post
Food pantries report record demand as the holidays approach.
- Friday's Heroes: Food for Others
Fri Oct 29 2010, WUSA Channel 9
Derek McGinty points out Food for Others' bare shelves as we face this holiday season.
- Demand at Food Banks is Up, Even in Well-Off DC Suburbs
Wed Aug 5 2009, Huffington Post
As the national unemployment rate nears 10%, more and more people are turning to food banks for help keeping food on their plates.
Budget (FY2023)
- $3 million or higher
- The current budget for Food for Others is: $1 million to $3 million
- $500k to $1 million
- Less than $500k
Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to
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