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Executive Director's Update
September is Hunger Action Month. Every year this brings renewed awareness to the challenges of hunger and food insecurity in our community. At WFCM, we re-start the deliveries to stock the Free Food Fridges at 12 Fairfax County Public Schools providing weekend meals for nearly 700 students. We also start working with partners to plan the November and December Holiday/School's Out Food Distributions that will serve hundreds of families. We look forward to community members helping us stock our shelves through annual food drives coordinated by our partners including the Fairfax County Government Stuff the Bus food collection on September 19th (donate at the Sully District Government Center to benefit WFCM) and Scouting for Food on November 14th. In addition to attending several community and school fairs, WFCM is preparing for our annual Resource Fair that will be held later this month for families we serve.
As we prepare for Holiday/School's Out Food, and always seek to hear the needs of the families we serve, we surveyed families in August to ask about food preferences. In addition to sharing food preferences, clients shared these comments in the survey:
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“Thank you for all you do. It makes life a little less stressful for so many people when we don’t have to worry about how we’re going to afford our next meal.”
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“We had a very positive experience with your organization. The food was greatly appreciated, and your kindness, generosity, and care for the community truly make a difference. Thank you for your wonderful support and for helping families in need.”
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“These resources have been of great help to our family. We are forever grateful for the service and kindness we receive every month from WFCM’s Chantilly Market.”
- “I really appreciate the lady who packs my groceries (after I select them in the market). She is amazing.”
I am grateful to all of our volunteers and partners who ensure families receive the food they need and feel treated well when visiting WFCM.
In addition to the critical resources of food and financial assistance for housing, last month 15 congregation partners (including hundreds of community members) provided 1,355 backpacks for students at 18 local Fairfax County Public Schools, as requested by school staff to meet their needs. Thank you to everyone who participated!
If you are looking for additional ways to get involved this month, consider using the ideas on the Hunger Action Month calendar developed by our Deputy Director, Pamela. Click here to download the Hunger Action Month Calendar pdf. You can also save the date and share the flyer for Stuff the Bus by downloading the Stuff the Bus pdf here.
Your support is critical and impactful for thousands of community members!
God bless,
Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director
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