October 2025

WFCM News For You

Executive Director's Update

We were happy to participate in the Fairfax County Government proclamation recognizing September as Hunger Action Month, along with several other food providers from across the county. On the following Saturday, September 13th, WFCM participated in Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus. We were grateful to receive 2197.9 lbs. of food and toiletries valued at $4,176. Thank you to all who stopped by the Chantilly Walmart to drop off donations!

We ended the month by holding our annual Client Resource Fair coordinated by Deputy Director, Pamela Montesinos. One hundred and twenty (120) families attended the fair and received information from several WFCM partners regarding health services, financial literacy services, and family safety. We provided fresh produce including onions, cucumbers, and watermelon, along with a nacho/chili snack (and recipe), and gift cards for sandwiches from Chick-fil-A (donated by our local Chick-fil-A).

Starting this past Monday, September 29th, we modified our appointment hours at the Centreville Free Food Market to better serve families (read more in the What's New in the Food Markets and Client Services section below). With this change to offer more evening appointments, and an upcoming flu vaccine clinic in coordination with Walgreens, we are responding to feedback from the families we serve to provide greater access to food and health services. Our focus is to ensure families have their basic needs met in ways that work for them so they can thrive. A client recently included this statement in the comment section of a WFCM survey, "Your help changes lives and matters a lot."

Thank you for your partnership in this important work to end hunger, reduce food insecurity, and keep families safely housed. The services we provide together "matter a lot" for families in our community.

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

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

In September we provided client choice food selection for 738 unduplicated families; including those ordering groceries online for delivery (48 families) and those selecting food in the Free Food Markets in Chantilly (468 families) and Centreville (222 families). Families generally come to get groceries every 30 days (with availability on specific days/times due to their work schedules), so some families came twice in September (such as Sept 2nd and 30th). This is the reason the number of appointments provided (768) is higher than the number of unduplicated families served.

To better serve clients, on Monday September 29th, we began offering new appointment hours at our Centreville Free Food Market. After analysis, and with feedback from a recent client survey, we determined that Monday evening appointments are preferred as compared to Thursday day appointments to serve more clients who work during the day. Our new schedule for weekly appointments will include evening appointments Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in Centreville. Appointments in Chantilly will continue to include Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. We appreciate the flexibility of our staff members and volunteers who have adjusted their schedules to make it possible for WFCM to offer evening appointments an additional evening each week at the Centreville location.

We are excited to share that as of October 1st, Greater DC Diaper Bank is permitting WFCM to increase from 50 diapers per month to 75 diapers per baby/toddler per month. We are grateful for this support of the families we serve!

*Average weight of a bag is 21 lbs.

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

Thank you to Fairfax County Government and the generous community members who donated during Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus on Saturday September 13th.

We received 2,197.9 lbs. of food and toiletries valued at $4,176!

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

Canned Meat (chicken, salmon, sardines, Vienna sausages)
Canned Vegetables (beets, potatoes, spinach, peas, yams)
Canned Pasta (ravioli, SpaghettiOs, etc.)
Boxed Pasta (macaroni, ziti, shells, etc.)
Mashed Potatoes (pouch or box)
Flavored Rice and Pasta (Rice A Roni, Knorr pasta sides)
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Sugar (1lb. or 2lb. bag)
Macaroni & Cheese
Chicken/Beef/Bone Broth
Canned Fruit (peaches, pears, pineapples)
Canned Beans (kidney, garbanzo)
Boxed Cereal (low sugar preferred)
Hot Cereal (oatmeal, grits)
Cake Mix or Brownie Mix
Family Sized Snacks (crackers, pretzels, nuts, etc.)
Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape, etc.) (no glass bottles)
Shelf stable almond milk (family size)

Toiletries: body wash, lotion, deodorant, mouthwash, hair shampoo and conditioner, feminine hygiene products (pads), baby wipes, pull ups size 4t-5t (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate 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: Atlantic Union Bank

Thank you Atlantic Union Bank for awarding WFCM an "AUB Cares"

community impact grant. This grant will support WFCM's Pathways to Success program, a ten-month program for families to participate in classes and individual budgeting sessions using the David Ramsey Financial Peace curriculum, along with monthly financial assistance to improve their financial stability.