AFAC BREAKS YET ANOTHER RECORD – OVER 4,500 FAMILIES SERVED IN ONE WEEK

ARLINGTON, VA – The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) served supplemental groceries to 4,533 families – over 11,000 individuals – during their annual ‘Turkey Week’ distributions from November 18-23. While these statistics are record-breaking for the non-profit organization, AFAC was prepared for the influx in clients as they have steadily served over 4,000 families since October 2024. These historic numbers highlight that the need for food assistance in Arlington County is greater than ever, especially during the holiday season.

AFAC’s Turkey Week is an annual tradition providing families with whole turkeys, chicken roasters and miscellaneous Thanksgiving items, in addition to the regularly distributed groceries, to help them prepare a holiday meal. Providing access to choose foods that meet the cultural needs of AFAC’s diverse client base is a main priority throughout the year and especially during the giving season.

“For many of our customers, AFAC is their primary supermarket. It’s where they shop for weekly groceries and it’s where they stock up for holiday meals,” says AFAC’s Director of Client Services Lily Duran. “Waiting in line for turkeys, people shared recipes for greens, chicharron, and marinades. I’m grateful we can provide our clients with nourishing ingredients for their Thanksgiving celebrations.”

The food bank has seen a steady increase in the number of clients over the past year due to economic challenges including rising food and housing costs due to inflation. Reaching over 11,000 individuals served during Turkey Week is both a testament to AFAC’s dedication to serving everyone who seeks their assistance and a reminder that food insecurity continues to grow, even in a wealthy county like Arlington.

“We do not know exactly what the future will bring, but what we do know is that AFAC will always be here to serve those who need our services,” emphasizes Chief Executive Officer Charlie Meng. “We remain committed to serving every individual that comes to our doors.”

To learn more about donating funds, food, or volunteering to further AFAC’s mission, visit afac.org.

ABOUT AFAC: The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is an independent, community-based non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to neighbors in need. Over 4,000 families each week are coming to AFAC at 21 distribution sites throughout Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church to access fresh and healthy supplemental groceries, freeing up tightly stretched funds for child and health care, rent, and other financial demands. For more information, visit afac.org and follow @afacfeeds on social media.

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