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Nearly 1,000 volunteers collected and sorted more than 28,000 pounds of food on Sept. 13, helping stock school pantries that serve more than 10,000 students across Northern Virginia.
The Hunger Action Month effort supported 54 schools in Fairfax, Arlington and Loudoun counties. At Herndon Middle School, volunteers joined community organizations to prepare food for local students.
“Because of this community, students are starting the year with one less worry and families know their neighbors truly care,” said Karen Joseph, founder and executive director of Food For Neighbors.
During the sorting event, Joseph accepted a $20,000 grant from Journey for Good Foundation, the charitable arm of Avolta in North America. The foundation works to address poverty through food, shelter, education and workforce development.
Now in its ninth year, Food For Neighbors helps schools create on-site pantries stocked with donated food and toiletries. Its Red Bag Program provides participants with grocery lists and collection dates, then arranges doorstep pickup of their donations.
The assistance comes amid significant need in an otherwise affluent region. During the previous school year, more than one-third of Fairfax County students and over one-quarter of students in Arlington and Loudoun counties qualified for free or reduced-price meals.
Food For Neighbors makes supplies available during the school day and for students to take home over weekends and holidays.