Though Fairfax County can be affluent, the high cost of living leaves many families struggling to meet basic needs, especially when they face unexpected financial challenges. For more than 30 years, FFO has been their critical safety net. Its hybrid food bank and pantry are a welcoming, dignified space for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, where clients receive up to 5 days’ worth of food that fits their needs. A growing delivery program ensures clients with little to no accessibility can receive food directly at their doorsteps. An additional weekend meal pack program during the school year, site distributions in high-need neighborhoods, and bulk distributions with community partners expand FFO’s reach, serving more than 3,000 families and 3,900 students each week. FFO ensures that every neighbor has a safe place to turn—because no one should go 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 (FY2026)
- $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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