Food For Others Inaugural Issue September 2013

Our inaugural issue was dedicated to Food For Others. "Considered one of the wealthiest areas in the country, Northern Virginia still faces a poverty rate of 5%—that means close to 100,000 people are living in poverty, 30% of whom are children —and many more struggle to make ends meet every day. A virtual partnership of volunteers and organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry and/or struggling families in the area, Food for Others provides a safety net for those experiencing unemployment, extraordinary healthcare expenses, abuse, and other hardship. In the past year, Food for Others distributed more than 2
million pounds of free food to families in need in Northern Virginia.

A Community Partnership
Founded in 1995, Food for Others depends upon a small staff of nine do the heavy lifting. While individuals represent the largest block of donors to Food for Others, Fairfax County is a major financial contributor. Workplace giving campaigns, including the Combined Federal Campaign encouraged by America's Charities, are another key source of annual donations. In addition, churches, schools, businesses, and foundations provide both volunteers and financial support. Monetary donations are critical to the success of Food for Others.