Causes: Emergency Assistance, Food, Food Banks & Pantries, Human Services, Nutrition

Mission: Our only mission is to feed the hungry, but by relieving the food budget of our clients, we help prevent homelessness, and allow our clients to make other necessary purchases without sacrificing their health and nutritional needs. We provide groceries to families and individuals referred to us by the Arlington County Department of Human Services, other social service agencies, and the churches of Arlington. AFAC fits neatly into the comprehensive system of service delivery that characterizes the work done by the agencies and churches in Arlington. We support the work of other agencies by letting them concentrate on their area of expertise. If area social workers see a need for food with their clients, they can easily make a referral to us. This system ensures that our clients are legitimate and that the entire range of their needs is being assessed and addressed. AFAC obtains surplus food at no cost from local bakeries, supermarkets, farmers' markets, food drives, and private donors.

Results: Last year, we distributed nearly 2.3 million pounds of food directly to families in Arlington, and another 20,000 pounds of food to other feeding programs in the area

Target demographics: Families in need in Arlington; any Arlington resident who cannot afford to purchase all the food they need.

Geographic areas served: Arlington, Virginia

Programs: AFAC currently distributes over 1 million pounds of groceriest to needy Arlington families. Nearly 40% of our clients are children, and 10% are senior citizens. In addition, we distribute a box of standard items through the Department of Human Services to help those in immediate need of food.