Dear Friends,

Is it spring yet? It's been way too cold this week, but warmer temperatures are around the corner we hope. We have lots going on in April and May, and you can read about community efforts to collect food and support LHR in this newsletter.

April is Volunteer Appreciation month. LHR has over 300 volunteers who provide 14,000+ hours of service each year, equivalent to 7.5 full time employees. We simply could not do what we do without their dedication. If you see one of our volunteer team members out and about in their LHR gear, thank them for their service! They help 14,000 of our neighbors have enough to eat.

It's also a great time of year to celebrate our grocery store partners. Grocery stores all over Loudoun donate their surplus to Loudoun Hunger Relief--around 65% of the food we have to give is grocery store recovery. We couldn't do this work without those partners and we are so grateful to them. A list of the stores that partner with us is further down in this update.

One more thought for spring: if you're planning a vegetable garden consider planting an extra row or an extra plant or two for donation. We are very happy to have your backyard garden bounty.

Thank you for supporting the work we do. Your help means everything.

The Team at LHR 🌟

Events

Tulip Days at Hope Flower Farm & Winery 

On April 12th and 13th, Hope Flower Farm and Winery will be hosting Flower Days! The event will directly benefit Loudoun Hunger Relief, with the price of admission being a donation of food or money to LHR.

Kendra Scott Gives Back

On April 27th, we will be joining Kendra Scott in Reston from 1PM-3PM for Kendra Scott Gives Back. That weekend (4/26-4/27) they will also be donating a portion of their online sales using the code GIVEBACK-JCTEM to LHR.

Honor Brewing Supports LHR

For the entire month of April, Honor Brewing will be donating a portion of their proceeds to LHR. Stop in for a drink that helps the community!

USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Our friends at USPS are running the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9th. They will be accepting food donations during normal mail pickup and delivery. For more information, visit their website.

LCPL Food Drive

From April 19th-27th, Loudoun County Public Libraries is running a food drive, accepting donations for Loudoun Hunger Relief at all of their branches.

Stop Food Waste Day (4/30)

Did you know that LHR recovers 2.5 million pounds of food from local grocery stores every year? We encourage you to find creative ways to make the most of your groceries and help stop food waste.

Thank you to our Grocery Partners!

• Aldi
• Costco
• food Lion
• Giant
• Harris Teeter
• Lidl
• Pendleton

• Safeway
• Sam's
• Target
• Walmart
• Wegmans
• Whole Foods

2.5 MILLION Pounds of Food donated in 2024!

Our Team is Growing!

Loudoun Hunger Relief has welcomed three new members to our team this month, we'd like to introduce you!

Emma Sahlgren joins Loudoun Hunger Relief with a background in sustainable development, having earned an M.Sc. in Global Development with a focus on environment and climate change. She wrote her thesis on international food aid and food security, reflecting her passion for increasing access to food and strengthening communities. A Virginia native and proud Hokie, Emma studied abroad in Manchester, England, and conducted fieldwork in Rwanda. She is excited to bring her expertise to LHR and support its mission.

Chris Abbott joins Loudoun Hunger Relief as a Development Associate, bringing experience in fundraising and donor engagement from Loudoun Literacy Council and the Loudoun Laurels Foundation. A longtime Leesburg resident, she has been deeply involved in the community and Loudoun County Public Schools. Chris holds both an MA and BA from American University and is excited to support LHR’s mission and help strengthen local food access.

Jade Davis joins Loudoun Hunger Relief as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, bringing a strong background in nonprofit marketing. A former musician, Jade now channels their creativity into graphic design and social media. Excited to be part of the team, they look forward to supporting LHR’s mission through storytelling and outreach.

Did you know?

LHR has a blog! Come visit us at "the bite" to view a bigger menu of food security topics and articles.

Have a topic in mind? Let us know at info@loudounhunger.org.

We are truly honored to have received both the Nonprofit of the Year Award and the Small Business of the Year Award from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce this year, and we can't stop celebrating!

These awards are a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has supported LHR—from our donors and volunteers to our staff and partners. These honors belong to all of you as much as they do to us.

Honor Mom with a Gift That Gives Back

If you or someone you know needs additional human services like rent or utility assistance, please go to the Loudoun County Information & Referral website for more details or call 703-777-0420! For additional food resources, please visit Loudoun Feeds.

Are you planning your estate or portfolio giving?

Contact Trish McNeal to discuss options including IRA Rollover, Beneficiary Designations, Gifts of Stock, and other ways to give. LHR is honored to accept bequests and other legacy gifts.