WFCM April 2023 Newsletter

April 2023

WFCM News For You

Executive Director's Update

In March 2020, the federal government authorized emergency allotments to provide additional funds to families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In March 2023, these emergency allotments ended. While we are in the recovery period after the pandemic, many families are still experiencing high needs due to inflation and underemployment. With the end of the emergency allotments, WFCM experienced a 16% increase in families using our client choice food pantry as compared to March 2022.

With the federal response ramping down, the local non-profit response continues to ramp up to meet the needs. WFCM is taking a giant leap forward to improve food security in our community by opening a client choice food pantry in Centreville. Our second client choice food pantry will be located near Centreville Regional Library in Centreville Square 2. This will enable us to meet the needs of hundreds of families in need of food assistance that rent apartments within walking distance of the library and do not have transportation. These families need more services and they need them to be accessible in a more direct and local way.

Having access to a client choice food pantry is critical to improving food security for families. As our client Eileen wrote about WFCM:

“This is the only food bank that I HAVE EVER been to where they offer fresh fruits and veggies, along with dairy (eggs, milk, cheese, butter), things like chicken, beef, turkey, and a variety of other things that you would not necessarily find at a traditional food bank. Most of their donated items are from places like Wegmans and Whole Foods. Please don't confuse this with complaining, because I am GRATEFUL to all food banks, when you are hungry and can't afford food, then you will take what you can get. However, this does give you options as you are allowed to "shop" and pick out your own items, as opposed to having them to pack one for you. This prevents food from being wasted. Again, I am grateful to ALL food banks, but this is by far the best one I have encountered."

We want more families to have this experience that provides options for healthy food in a way that is dignified and puts the client in control to select the right foods for their family.

I look forward to keeping you updated regarding the second client choice food pantry. We are in the permit stage at this time and have received grants for five out of the six commercial refrigerators and freezers that will be included in the pantry. There are many steps to go before we open to serve clients later this spring/summer. I appreciate your support with this exciting process that will allow us to reach more families in need.

Thank you and God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

(Photo above is Board President Rev. Lynn Miller and me signing the lease for the new food pantry. Below is a rendering of the new location with our sign. Third photo is our client, Eileen, selecting food in our client choice food pantry in Chantilly.)

March 2023 Service Update

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

Director of Client Operations & Programs

On March 7th, in honor of Women’s History Month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognized the County’s Commission for Women (CFW). I am honored to serve as a member of the Commission. The CFW promotes the full equality of women and girls in the county. Since the middle of the 20th century, women began to have more leadership roles in the community and saw advancements in fundamental rights, but there is still much to do. We are advocating to ensure females have the right to education, live free from violence and discrimination, own property, earn an equal wage, and enjoy the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. I am proud to serve on the Commission and with other female leaders at WFCM who work hard daily to serve our community and advocate for voices that need to be elevated.

Speaking of empowerment; on March 17th I worked with Northern Virginia Family Services to provide a "How to Open a Business" workshop for clients. Ten enthusiastic participants learned how to become entrepreneurs and move their business ideas forward.

On April 1st, we held a drive thru "School's Out" Food Distribution. Our Spring Break food distribution included milk, bananas, apples, blackberries, lemonade, cereal, mac & cheese, breakfast bars, canned chicken and tuna, crackers, and bread to ensure the kids have breakfast and lunch while school is closed for the week. We were able to provide food for 300 families, 500 students, on Saturday and will serve the rest of the families throughout the week.

Earth day is April 22nd. Earth day promotes international awareness of environmental protection and earth conservation. At WFCM, we are doing our best to protect and conserve our environment. We provide reusable bags for food, compost food waste, and have an on-site garden. On Earth day, we plan to provide our clients with seeds and seedlings for their homes.

Most needed items in the food pantry this month:

Maseca Flour
Canned Tuna and Canned Chicken
Vegetable Oil
Peanut Butter
Coffee
Ramen Noodles
Vienna Sausages
Tomato Sauce
Pasta Sauce

Toiletries: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, feminine pads (not tampons) (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:

Anthem HealthKeepers Plus

Western Fairfax Christian Ministries is pleased to partner with Anthem HealthKeepers Plus as an annual business sponsor. Through this partnership, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus is sharing information about Virginia Medicaid renewal and open enrollment opportunities with WFCM clients via food bag flyers, class presentations, and by participating in the annual client fair in September. We are grateful to share these important healthcare resources with our clients.

Dine and Donate!

Join WFCM in a virtual fundraiser at Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar in Chantilly this April. You may order online or dine at the restaurant for any meal April 17 -23, 2023 and 15% of the total bill will be donated to WFCM. Use coupon code: 39WFCM. Please note that online orders must be placed through the Lazy Dog website and not through UberEats or DoorDash.

Spring is officially here and it’s time to register for WFCM’s Fifth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament on Monday, May 22, 2023. Not a golfer, but don’t want to miss the fun? Register to join us for lunch and enjoy a time of networking and fellowship.

Date: Monday, May 22, 2023

Time: 7:30 am Registration; 8:30 am Tee Off

Location: Chantilly National Golf & Country Club

14901 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA

Format: Scramble on 18-hole course

Lunch: 1:00 - 2:30 pm Barbeque Lunch

Lunch is included for golfers or may be purchased separately.

Questions: Email info@wfcmva.org

Thank you to:

Tournament Sponsor: Keener Insurance Agency*

Lunch Sponsor: King of Kings Lutheran Church*

Breakfast Sponsor: Wegmans Chantilly*

Beverage Cart Sponsor: Northwest Federal Credit Union*

Registration Sponsor: AirMasters Heating & Air Conditioning*

Driving Range Sponsor: MaidBrigade of Loudoun and Western Fairfax Counties

Putting Green Sponsor: Acorn Financial Services, Inc.

Tee Sponsors:

*Partners listed above, and:

Anthem Healthkeepers Plus

Apple Federal Credit Union

Atlantic Union Bank

Bloom Brand Strategies, LLC

Church of the Ascension

EldenStreet Financial

Media Press

NOVEC

St. Andrew Lutheran Church

Sandy Spring Bank

Sheehy Infiniti of Chantilly

Tenace, LLC

United Bank

Zolon Tech

We’re currently accepting donations to use as prizes and raffle items at the golf tournament. For more information about the tournament, please contact Diane at dbeatley@wfcmva.org.

Feed Fairfax 5K

Register today to help address food insecurity during the Feed Fairfax 5K taking place on Saturday, May 6, at the Chantilly Planet Fitness. 100% of the race entry fees go to WFCM’s Free Food Fridge program and Food for Others’ power packs. Registration is open at feedfairfax.com

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 dbeatley@wfcmva.org.