WFCM August 2023 Newsletter

August 2023

WFCM News For You

Executive Director's Update

As you all have experienced, temperatures have been high throughout July. We are especially thankful for our partnership with NOVEC during these summer months. The NOVEC Operation Round Up program provides funds to WFCM that are donated by NOVEC members so that we can use those funds to pay NOVEC electricity bills for households struggling to pay their bills. This enables us to keep electricity connected for families at risk of disconnection which is critical during the summer months. What a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors and allowing WFCM to serve as the connector between the donating families and the families in need of this assistance!

The number of clients using the client choice food pantries in Chantilly and Centreville remains high. We served 22% more client households in July 2023 versus July 2022. We are thankful to have both locations available this summer while kids are out of school. One hundred and eleven (111) of the client families used our Centreville Client Choice Food Pantry. Only 15% of students who are part of the Free Lunch program during the school year are participating in the Summer Feeding Program* so being accessible for their families during these months is key to their food security.

Thank you for supporting our spring fundraising campaign to fund these pantry operations. We did not reach our goal, but we are thankful for the 135 friends who donated during our spring campaign to reach and exceed the match donation of $25,000. Your support ensures our rent is paid and our lights stay on while we work to ensure the same for families in our community.

A recent Google 5-star review of our services said "WFCM has been helping me and my family for quite some time...I would recommend this place to others who can use their help." Thank you for partnering with us to welcome and serve families in our community who can use our help. You make the difference; only together can we do it!

Thank you and God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

*https://state.nokidhungry.org/virginia/summer-meals/

July 2023 Service Update

In FY 24, you will notice that the number of bags of food per family is lower. That is because we are using larger reusable bags or boxes that hold more food. So, each bag holds an average of 21 lbs. of food versus 16 lbs. in the past. Therefore the total pounds of food distributed is higher while the number of bags is lower.

A new allotment of funding (from the federal ARPA program) through the county is providing higher levels of financial assistance beginning this month. As you can see, we had similar funding last fiscal year at this time. We are thankful for our partnership with Fairfax County Government to provide this funding to local families in need of higher levels of rent support to avoid eviction.

What's New in the Food Pantry and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos

Director of Client Operations & Programs

On July 12th, team members from the Greater DC Diaper Bank traveled to WFCM for a tour and meeting to discuss the partnership between the DC Diaper Bank and WFCM. This partnership enabled WFCM to distribute more than 450,000 diapers in Fiscal Year 2023. We discussed how to improve distribution of resources to meet the needs in our community. Diapers are a valuable resource. With a value of $0.40 per diaper, the distribution of 450,000 diapers to the community saved families approximately $180,000! We are grateful for this partnership that started in February 2021 and look forward to continuing to partner with the Greater DC Diaper Bank this fiscal year.

This summer we have been planning our Fall activities and programs including a Client Fair (our third to be held in September during Hunger Action Month), the 2023/2024 Free Food Fridge Program deliveries of weekend food to schools, and the Pathways to Success Program. We look forward to sharing more next month!

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

Flour
Hot Cereal
Refried Beans
Vienna Sausages
Stuffing
Pasta Sauce
Canned Pasta
Cake Mix and Brownie Mix

Toiletries: body wash, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and dish soap (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-4 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 5 or 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

Partner Spotlight: Wegmans Food Markets, Chantilly

Thank you to the Wegmans Chantilly customers who supported the Fill the Bus campaign in June. The campaign raised $6,746.99 for WFCM! On Monday, July 31^st, WFCM staff met with the department managers at Wegmans to express our appreciation for all that they do and to share how the funds will benefit community members who use our food pantries.

Did you know that Wegmans Chantilly donated over 75,000 lbs. of food in Fiscal Year 2023 (July 2022-June 2023)? They not only provide special campaigns and grants for our food pantry operations but also help stock our refrigerators and shelves each week.

Thank you, Wegmans Chantilly team members and customers!

Save the Date for WFCM’s Annual Fall FUNdraiser!

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Chantilly National Golf & Country Club

5:00 – 7:00 pm

Enjoy appetizers, a gourmet garden buffet, & dessert while participating in our Online Auction. Learn more at wfcmva.org/fall-fundraiser.

Thank you to Event Sponsor Keener Insurance Agency!

Interested in one of the other signature sponsorships? Contact me to discuss the opportunities at [email protected].