Taking Action During Hunger Action Month

At Food for Others, September marks more than just the changing of seasons, it’s a time where our community gathers together for Hunger Action Month. Hunger Action Month, observed each September, serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and compassion – two ideals that are reflected in the Food for Others mission

A Note of Recognition for former Executive Director Annie Turner

As Summer 2023 draws to a close, the Food for Others community says goodbye to former Executive Director, Annie Turner. We reflect on the legacy that Annie is leaving behind and the impact her leadership and passion have had on our community.  While some of us only know Annie as the Executive Director, her work

Growing our Community: A Look into Peace Lutheran’s Gardens

“Here [we] have more” – Martha, a Peace Lutheran community gardener, shared as she walked throughout her garden plots.  Since 2017, Peace Lutheran Church has hosted one of the Food for Others affiliated gardens through a local nonprofit Food Uniting Neighbors (FUN). The gardens are filled with vibrant leafy greens, burrowed beets, and plump tomatoes. It

Composting – The Basics

As we jump into Farmers Market season, pursuing the vendors of ripe strawberries, leafy greens, and fresh bread may come to mind. Farmers Markets are an amazing setting to find fresh, local produce and, due to Fairfax County expanding their 2022 initiative, somewhere to drop off your compost!  Composting is the process of naturally recycling

Social Work Appreciation Month: The Shayna Sargent Story

Every year in March, we celebrate Social Work Appreciation Month. Social work can be a demanding field, but given the opportunity, social workers can truly make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. At Food for Others, we rely on social workers to submit emergency referrals. With an emergency referral, families can

What’s Changing with SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP, provides families struggling with food insecurity with monthly benefits. The program currently serves 41 million people (Civil Beat). In Virginia in 2022, the program served 764,600 residents (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities). SNAP benefits are determined based on an annual review of the Thrifty Food

Why Client Choice

“When an individual steps through the door at Food for Others,” shared Executive Director, Annie Turner, “we want them to feel a sense of belonging. While they are here, we want to give them a more normalized experience, and we want them to leave feeling empowered and supported. The new market accomplishes this and so

My Market Press Release

Media Contact:  Anna Slaten, Director of Development and Outreach  aslaten@foodforothers.org  240-751-7091    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Food for Others adds over 10,000 square feet to facility to introduce the power of choice to Northern Virginian residents experiencing food insecurity.  New space offers a grocery store-like shopping experience and wrap-around social services.  FAIRFAX, VA (February 9th, 2023)

Honoring Black History Month: 5 African American Anti-Hunger Activists

     1. Fannie Lou Hamer  Fannie Lou Hamer might not be a household name, but she made a tremendous impact in anti-hunger activism. In 1969, she founded the  Freedom Farm Cooperative (FFC) to help farmworkers experiencing hunger in the Mississippi Delta. At its height, the FFC grew to over 640 acres of land (Time

Dynamic Duos: Peter Fabry and Lisa Ninomiya

When you think of dynamic duos, maybe some classics like Thelma and Louise or Sonny and Cher (pre-separation) come to mind. However, here at Food for Others, we immediately think of the many volunteer partnerships…