May 21, 2020
Stamp Out Hunger Canceled - Food Donations Still Needed
One of our favorite events, Stamp Out Hunger, is held every year on the 2nd Saturday of May. In partnership with the National Association of Letter Carriers, this event averages around 25,000 pounds of food donations in one day - our 2nd largest single day food drive of the year.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Stamp Out Hunger was canceled this year. However, the need for food in the community is at an all-time high. AFAC has seen a 35% increase in active referrals since the end of February. More and more new families are seeking help in addition to the thousands of families AFAC already serves.

You can help us make up this difference in the following ways:
You can donate canned food (tomato products, vegetables, tuna, and soups) and peanut butter at a local AFAC collection box set up in the community. Please do not donate food that is perishable, opened, expired, or in glass jars.

You can also host a food drive in your own neighborhood. Register your food drive to request an AFAC food drive box if you would like one. There are template food drive flyers available that you can use and distribute digitally to help you get started.
Funds raised will go towards our food budget. This allows AFAC to purchase fresh produce, oatmeal, rice, beans, milk, eggs, frozen protein (chicken, fish, and hot dogs), and other food in bulk prices directly from food vendors at lower rates found at the grocery store.
Tim Kaine visits AFAC
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine stopped by AFAC earlier this month to see how AFAC is serving the Arlington community. He was very eager to volunteer and helped distribute food to families in our modified food distribution line. We appreciate Senator Kaine's support and welcome him back to volunteer anytime!
Thank You
This has been a difficult time for many in our community. In the midst of all the uncertainty, we are extremely thankful that we can rely on your continued support. With your help, we have been able to keep up with the growing demand for AFAC's services.

We have been impressed to see all the creative ways you have shown your support, especially when all the conventional methods to help out AFAC are not currently possible. Here is a sampling of how you have helped AFAC feed our neighbors in need.
Food drives
Two children from NOVA Catholic Community Church pulling food donations in their red wagon through their neighborhood.
Good doggos wanted to lend a paw and collect food donations for human friends.
Fundraisers
People have utilized personal fundraising pages on our website to offer their skills and hobbies to raise money for AFAC.
Others have utilized Facebook to create their own ways to raise money, like Herr Metal's watch party or various Facebook Fundraisers for AFAC.
Instead of canceling her event, Ginny Wright's annual Body by Ginny's Obstacle Race for AFAC turned virtual this year.
Washington-Liberty student and track athlete Ally Obenberger challenged others to stay fit and created her own virtual 5K run . She's getting closer to her goal of raising $10,000 for AFAC!
Taking care of staff and volunteers

We really appreciate everyone who has thought about our hard working staff and volunteers, especially the many restaurants who have offered to provide meals to our staff, the companies and families who sponsored meals, and the many individuals who made and donated masks to keep everyone safe.
For anyone in need, we have compiled a list of resources on our website. This includes how to get a referral to AFAC, where to find free meals for kids, safety tips, etc. Please share as needed.
Arlington Food Assistance Center | 703.845.8486 | www.afac.org