ARLINGTON FOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER SERVES OVER 4,000 FAMILIES IN ONE WEEK

ARLINGTON, VA – The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) has now distributed groceries to more than 4,000 families in need in a single week – the first time ever hitting this unprecedented milestone for the nonprofit food bank. Not only did the number of weekly family visits break an AFAC record, the count of families being referred for AFAC resources also hit an all-time high at almost 6,700 referrals as the urgency for food assistance services has surged. These statistics highlight the critical need for community support during a time when food insecure Arlington residents are relying on AFAC services more than ever.

The spike in demand comes at a time when resources are strained – food and living costs continue to rise, and the added financial burdens of the holiday season on many food insecure families causes greater uncertainty about how to afford even the basic necessities. If these trends continue, AFAC predicts to distribute groceries to more than 4,400 families during their annual “Turkey Week” food distribution the week of November 18 through November 23.

“With the cost of living rapidly outpacing resources, more members of our community need help affording food,” expresses Lily Duran, AFAC’s Director of Client Services. “Though the necessity for AFAC groceries has grown nearly 70% in two years, we remain committed to serving any Arlingtonian in need.”­­

AFAC receives only 7% of its operating costs from Arlington County and relies almost entirely on community donations and volunteer support. AFAC’s network of donors, volunteers, and community partners allows the food pantry to continue providing free groceries to families, enabling them to devote their limited financial resources to obligations such as housing, utilities, medication, and other basic needs.

“The rising demand is a call to action – we depend on the continued generosity of our supporters to keep up with the increasing number of families coming to our door,” emphasizes AFAC’s Chief Executive Officer Charlie Meng. “Every donation we receive makes a difference in the lives of those who need it most.”

Visit afac.org to learn more about contributing funds, food, or volunteer time to AFAC and making a direct impact on the lives of their 4,000 families served weekly.

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. More than 4,000 families a week are coming to AFAC each week 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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