March 2025

WFCM News For You

Executive Director's Update

March 6th is the 38th anniversary of the founding of WFCM by leaders from twelve local congregations who knew that by working together, they could accomplish so much more. We are grateful to these forward-thinking leaders and to the founding congregations that continue to support this work today, providing food and financial assistance to families in western Fairfax County which ensures these families remain safely housed with food in their refrigerators and utilities connected.

Mark is a senior citizen who receives disability benefits. WFCM has been able to deliver groceries to him through our home delivery program grant with Capital Area Food Bank and DoorDash. He orders the food he needs online, and DoorDash drivers deliver it to him each month. Mark recently told us, “There were so many days that I was without groceries in my refrigerator and cabinets. I don't know what I would do without Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. You have been very responsive and generous to me."

It takes many partners working together to serve families in our community in need of assistance. During the month of February, I was grateful to meet with Elder Yoo from Korean Central Presbyterian Church to discuss challenges and solutions and to accept a generous donation to support our work. I was also thankful for an opportunity to speak at the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce State of Centreville event along with partners including county government staff and Pastor Wilkins from Mount Olive Baptist Church.

I am grateful for the Fairfax County Food Access Program grant funding that arrived in February to provide funds to purchase food for our markets and Free Food Fridge program (weekend meals for students at 12 FCPS locations). This supplemental grant will enable us to purchase one or two of the most needed/desired food items for our markets each month during calendar year 2025, as well as the yogurt and apples for weekend meals for students for several months.

With your support, we will continue to meet the needs in our community today, tomorrow, and for many years to come.

Thank you.

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

(Photographed with Client Services Specialist Brian and Elder Yoo; speaking at Dulles Chamber event; and with WFCM Board Member Jay Ross at Chamber event)

What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos, Deputy Director

February is a short month, last year there were 29 days but this year just 28, which is the primary reason for the service levels below 700 families using our markets. We have not experienced decreased demand and have started to serve new families impacted by changes at the federal level. In February, we provided 36 home deliveries of groceries (through a grant with Capital Area Food Bank and deliveries provided by DoorDash) and served 216 families in our Centreville Free Food Market. We served 20 new families out of the total 689 families served at our two market locations.

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

Flour (Maseca preferred)
Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
Vegetable Oil
Pasta Sauce
Pasta
Brown Rice
Pancake Mix
Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, etc.)
Canned Chicken
Hot Beverages (ground coffee, tea bags, etc.)

Toiletries: We have a big need for toilet paper right now. We also need bar soap, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, and baby wipes (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)

As a reminder, we accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511

Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.

Community Connections

with Diane Beatley

Sr. Manager, Community Engagement

Recognizing 38 years of Service on March 6, 2025

with Gratitude to our Founders

and Current Partners

In 1987, volunteers from local churches recognized they could do more together to provide for their neighbors in need in western Fairfax and twelve churches partnered to create Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Thirty-eight years later, WFCM remains committed to supporting families at risk of hunger and homelessness as an expression of God’s love. With the collaboration and support of local businesses, congregations, organizations, foundations, county government, and individual partners, during calendar year 2024, WFCM provided more than 8,400 grocery selection appointments at our two free food markets, serving nearly 5,000 individuals. With Free Food Fridge deliveries and market appointments combined, WFCM provided nearly 1.4 million pounds of food over the course of the year. WFCM also connected 417 households (1,277 individuals) with financial assistance for rent and utilities amounting to $486,267.

Your generosity and partnership make this possible, ensuring our neighbors have safe housing and food in their refrigerators and cupboards. As we approach the end of this fiscal year, in June, and see the continued high needs with 700+ families using our food markets each month, please consider a Spring Fiscal Year End Donation on WFCM’s 38th anniversary.

Visit wfcmva.org/donate to make a secure online donation. To donate by mail, please send checks to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153. Thank you!

Feed Fairfax 5k

Looking for a family-friendly way to support WFCM's weekend meal programs for students in Fairfax County Public Schools? Registration is now open

for the Feed Fairfax 5k that will take place on Saturday, May 3 at the Greenbriar Shopping Center. 100% of your race entry fees and donations support WFCM and Food for Others' weekend meal programs for students.

Learn more and register today at feedfairfax.com

WFCM's 7th Annual

Spring into Action Golf Tournament

Beverage Cart, Breakfast, and Tee Sponsorships Available!

Contact Diane at donorsupport@wfcmva.org for details.

at Chantilly National Golf & Country Club.

This best ball scramble is a great opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues, Chamber members, and fellow congregants while raising funds to support our neighbors in need.

Golfer registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, contests, free beverages and snacks on the course, and 18 holes of fun. Not a golfer? Consider registering to join us for the post-tournament barbeque lunch and catch up with friends.

Many thanks to returning Tournament Sponsor, Keener Insurance Agency, Inc!

Early Bird pricing for golfer registration extended through Sunday, March 16.

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Thank you for your support!