April 2026

WFCM News For You

Executive Director's Update

During the month of March, we were able to install a new Free Food Fridge (satellite site commercial refrigerator) with a grant from Capital Area Food Bank. The refrigerator is the first WFCM Free Food Fridge (FFF) in an apartment complex (the other 14 are in Fairfax County Public Schools (12) and nonprofit partner locations (2)). The families in the apartment complex qualify for WFCM's services and many are clients. However, this neighborhood has been identified as a Community of Opportunity by Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (vulnerable and under-resourced community) and this fridge is accessible within steps of residents' apartments to provide supplemental food. I am grateful not only to the grantors of the refrigerator and the food support, but also to the property managers at the apartment complex who welcomed us with open arms to support their residents. We will be stocking this refrigerator weekly with fresh food, as determined in partnership with the property managers and residents, to include items such as milk, yogurt, eggs, and fresh fruit and vegetables. After stocking the refrigerator for the first time on Friday March 27, before the FCPS Spring Break (photo above), I received this note from the Assistant Property Manager on the following Tuesday, "We have distributed just about everything in the fridge. Our residents are really appreciating the additional food for their households. Thanks again."

It takes many partners working together to serve families in our community in ways that are dignified, accessible, and responsive to the evolving needs of families. I am grateful to the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for granting WFCM $15,000 towards the operations of our Centreville Free Food Market. The second market is walkable for many families and provides three days/weeknights for community members to select groceries.

One of our clients, Craig, recently shared, “I used the pantry before, many years ago, and got stable enough to handle the grocery bills, but now with the economy, I find myself having to use it again. I’m thankful for this valuable resource. It is a blessing.”

Please consider making a special donation before June 30th during our spring fundraising appeal to help fund our operations during this spring and summer. Your donations ensure we can pay WFCM's rent and utilities for our two markets and warehouse so that we can provide rent, utility, and food support for families in our community. Your partnership is critical and impactful as we work with community members, helping people to remain safely housed with food to prepare meals. Thank you!

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

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

In March we provided client choice food selection for 704 unduplicated families (214 of those families were served at our Centreville Free Food Market). We served 38 new families. We are grateful for our partnership with DoorDash that enabled us to provide deliveries of groceries to 56 households during the month.

In addition, we provided supplemental breakfast and lunch food including sliced turkey and cheese via our Free Food Fridges in 12 local schools and to 277 client families with school-age kids during market appointments the week prior to the FCPS Spring Break.

Average weight of a bag is 21 lbs.

Food value 1 lb. of food FY 2026 = $1.90

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

White or Wheat Flour (5lb. bag or less)
Sugar (5 lb. bag or less)
Oil (vegetable, canola, olive)
Cereal (low sugar preferred)
Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
Pancake Mix
Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
Canned Meat (salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
Canned Tomatoes (crushed)
Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, applesauce)
Tomato Paste
Refried, Garbanzo, and Kidney Beans
Dried Beans (lentils, black beans)
Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
Family Size Snacks (crackers, nuts, popcorn, pretzels)

Toiletries and Household Items:

Feminine Hygiene Products (pads preferred)
Baby Wipes
Body Wash
Toothpaste
Lotion
Shaving Cream (full size) and Disposable Razors
Pull-ups size 4T/5T

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: The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia

We’re honored to be selected as a

2026 Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Grantee.

This funding will help us provide groceries to hundreds of families via our Centreville Free Food Market.

Thank you to the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for supporting our vision for a community where our neighbors have safe housing and the groceries they need

to prepare meals for their families.

Feed Fairfax 5K

Looking for a way to support WFCM's weekend meal programs for students in Fairfax County Public Schools?

that will take place on Saturday, May 2,

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.

Register Today for WFCM's Golf Tournament

Register today for WFCM’s Eighth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament on Monday, May 11, at Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. This event includes continental breakfast, lunch, complimentary beverages and snacks on the course, and 18 holes of fun. You may even win a prize in one of the contests!

Show off your golf skills or rely on your foursome for this best ball scramble. Connect with friends, colleagues, Chamber members, and fellow congregants while raising funds to support Western Fairfax Christian Ministries' work in the community.

Not a golfer? Register to join us for a wonderful barbecue lunch and catch up with friends and sponsors.

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!

A full sponsor list is available at wfcmva.org/golf.

Tournament Sponsor

Luncheon Sponsor

Registration Sponsor

Driving Range Sponsor

Thank you to these Tee Sponsors!

Together We Can Do It!

Your support makes it possible for WFCM to provide groceries for thousands of individuals in western Fairfax County through the Chantilly and Centreville Free Food Markets, home delivery, and satellite site Free Food Fridges.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to serve more than 1,250 unique families during the first 9 months of this fiscal year, providing nearly 1 million lbs. of groceries for 3,636 people. You also ensure families remain or become safely housed, enabling WFCM to provide $202,000 in rent and utility assistance for 227 families, 687 people. This is the difference you make.

We need your help! Our commitment to helping neighbors in need remains strong, but we can’t do it without you. Please help ensure we can continue to serve thousands of neighbors like Craig by supporting our Spring Fundraising Appeal. Donate securely online at wfcmva.org/donate and select Spring Appeal 2026 or mail check to WFCM at PO Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153.

Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar up to $40,000 by a family in Centreville who wants to ensure families have the food they need to thrive. One member of the family, a retired teacher, shared, “Life as a teacher is more than teaching kids. I saw firsthand the challenges faced by students who didn’t have funds or food for lunch. Food is essential for learning. That is one of the reasons I support WFCM’s work in the community that includes providing weekend meals for students. Please join my family in making a donation during this spring appeal so our neighbors have the resources they need to thrive.” Together, we can achieve our goal of $100,000 to serve our neighbors.

Donate Now

Visit our Website

Thank you for your support!