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Executive Director's Update
During the month of February, we surveyed families using our WFCM Free Food Markets to ask about food preferences and other questions about how they feel about the resources we provide and the ways in which they are provided. We received responses from 94 families (13% response rate). Clients responded with 95% agreement that they can choose their appointments, food, and overall have control over their food selection at WFCM. In addition, 89% agreed that the groceries either always last two weeks or sometimes last two weeks but always last at least one week. With respect to the most important food items, eggs and milk remain the highest priority followed by fresh fruit and vegetables, and baking goods (sugar, flour, oil). The highest priority toiletries are feminine pads, laundry detergent, and full-size shampoo and conditioner. We also asked about holiday/school's out food distributions, and the majority of respondents want to continue to pick up food at WFCM in the morning on a Saturday, with chicken being the preferred meat.
One client shared, "I prefer WFCM over other pantries and food distributors because they are abundant with quality perishables and I can shop for my choices. My doctor ordered I follow Dash Diet to control hypertension so the fresh vegetables and fruit is a blessing. It's like going to a farmers market. Receiving essential toiletries in addition to a choice in the section for personal items is very helpful as well."
Another client shared, "Western Fairfax has helped me a lot during and after the pandemic with food, diapers, and personal items that are a great help to my family, since money has been quite scarce lately due to rising prices. Thank you to all the donors and to this place for everything it does for those of us in need."
"WFCM FOLLOWS THIS QUOTE: “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley," shared a third client.
We also want to hear from you! Each month we send this e-newsletter to let you know how we are using the resources with which you entrust us and other ways to get involved. Please take a few minutes this month to respond to this 5 question survey about the e-newsletter so that we can use your feedback to improve our communication with you.
On March 6th, we will recognize 39 years since WFCM was founded to serve the community. We thank our founding congregations, current and former board members, staff members, and volunteers, and all those who make it possible for WFCM to continue serving today! 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
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What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos, Deputy Director
| | | In February, we provided client choice food selection for 703 unduplicated families (217 of those families were served at our Centreville Free Food Market). We served 50 new families. We are grateful for our partnership with DoorDash that enabled us to provide deliveries of groceries to 59 households during the month. | | |
*Average weight of a bag is 21 lbs.
**Food value 1 lb. of food FY 2026 = $1.90
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Stuff the Bus
Please consider helping stock our shelves with the most needed items during the month of March. You can drop by our warehouse with your donations, during the days and times listed below, or drop off donations at the Chantilly Walmart on Saturday March 14th 10am - 3pm during the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus Food Drive . Thank you!
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Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:
- White or Wheat Flour (5lb. bag or less)
- Sugar (1lb. or 2lb. bag)
- Oil (vegetable, canola, olive)
- Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
- Similac Baby Formula (blue label)
- 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 Beans
- Garbanzo Beans
- Kidney Beans
- Family Size Snacks (crackers, nuts, popcorn, pretzels)
Toiletries and Household Items:
- Feminine Hygiene Products (pads preferred)
- Baby Wipes
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body Wash
- Toothpaste
- Lotion
- Shaving Cream 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.
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Community Connections
with Diane Beatley
Sr. Manager, Community Engagement
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We are thankful to Keener Insurance Agency, Inc., for their support of WFCM since WFCM was founded, 39 years ago. Keener Insurance Agency has also served as the tournament sponsor for all eight years of our Spring into Action Golf Tournament, since 2019.
Join Charles and Team on Monday, May 11, 2026 as they tee off in this year's tournament. Register using the link below.
| | Keener Insurance Agency, Inc., a family-owned insurance company in Centreville, offers comparable rates with the added benefit of outstanding quality coverage and the personal touch of having your own insurance agency. Looking for free quotes on auto insurance, home insurance, or life insurance? Contact long-time WFCM supporter, Keener Insurance Agency. For a free quote, please visit: https://keenerinsurance.com/get-a-quote/ | | Register Today for WFCM's Golf Tournament | | |
Register today for WFCM’s Eighth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament on Monday, May 11, 2026, 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.
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Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
A full sponsor list is available at wfcmva.org/golf.
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With gratitude to our Founders and Current Partners,
WFCM is recognizing 39 years of Service on March 6, 2026.
In 1987, volunteers from local churches recognized they could do more together to provide for their neighbors in need in western Fairfax, and twelve churches partnered to create Western Fairfax Christian Ministries. Thirty-nine years later, WFCM remains committed to supporting families at risk of hunger and homelessness as an expression of God’s love. With the collaboration and support of local businesses, congregations, organizations, foundations, county government, and individual partners, during the first eight months of this fiscal year, WFCM provided:
- Nearly 900,000 lbs. of groceries for 3,500 unduplicated individuals (1,100 unique families) in our markets
- $175,000 in rent or utility assistance, keeping 200 families (600 people) safely housed
- Weekend meals for more than 700 students weekly
Your generosity and partnership make this possible, ensuring our neighbors have safe housing and food in their refrigerators and cupboards. Thank you!
| | Thank you for your support! | | | | |
