The month of March marks Social Worker Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging the important work of social workers. Social workers connect individuals with community resources – including resources at Food for Others. Many of the individuals we serve are introduced to the work at Food for Others by their social workers. One
The Heart of Our Operations: Our Volunteers
As we embrace the charm (and yes, the cheesiness) of Valentine’s Day, we dedicate this blog to the heart of Food for Others – our volunteers! From the fast-paced lobby of My Market to the comradery of packing power packs, volunteers are the backbone of Food for Others. Food for Others has seen thousands of
Why Choice: Celebrating One Year of My Market
This month marks one year since the opening of My Market. A hub for community, My Market has seen a plethora of volunteers, donors, and clients walk through the doors. Volunteers and clients alike share smiles and stories. Amid the changing seasons, from the calm days of July to the chaos of December, My Market
Harvesting Hope: Thanksgiving at Food for Others
Thanksgiving week is usually buzzing with energy – from last minute grocery shopping to coordinating travel plans with family, the week can feel overwhelming. However, for many of our neighbors, the feelings of stress do not come from an overabundance and juggling conflicting plans, but rather stem from a lack of food. The week of
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