Arlington Food Assistance Center
On June 30, 1988, the Arlington Food Assistance Center began operations to provide vital food resources to those in need in Arlington and Northern Virginia. AFAC has come a long way since its first recorded weekly client visits in 1993, where 94 families were served at just two distribution sites.
Today, the local food bank serves over 3,200 families weekly across 20 Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church distribution sites. This substantial increase in service reflects the growing demand for food assistance and the dedicated efforts of AFAC’s staff, volunteers, and generous supporters. “Our founders saw a need and thought their volunteer work could find a solution,” says Chief Executive Officer Charlie Meng. “Through 9/11, a housing crisis, government shutdowns, COVID-19, and now inflation, AFAC has remained committed to our mission to alleviate food insecurity in Arlington.”
As AFAC commemorates its 35th anniversary, the organization faces new challenges. Soaring food prices profoundly impacted AFAC’s operations. Food costs increased significantly, causing more families to access our services and forcing AFAC to overspend its food purchase budget by three-quarters of a million dollars. Despite this financial strain, AFAC remains committed to its mission and continues to seek solutions to ensure that all the families that come to their doors receive the assistance they need. AFAC is planning a special 35th Anniversary Spring Event on April 18, 2024 to mark this occasion. The event will aim to celebrate the food bank’s achievements, recognize the invaluable support from volunteers, donors, and community partners over the past 35 years, and bring to light the continuously growing need for food assistance. “AFAC is not the work of any one person, but the work of 2000 volunteers, 24 staff members, thousands of food donors, and many more who have given their financial support to make sure the least fortunate in our community will have the food they need to sustain their families,” emphasizes Meng. “AFAC’s success is a clear sign that Arlington cares.”
ABOUT AFAC: The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is an independent, community-based, non-profit food pantry that provides dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries to neighbors in need. Over 3,200 families come to AFAC weekly at 20 distribution sites throughout Arlington County, Alexandria, and Falls Church to access fresh and healthy supplemental groceries, freeing up tightly stretched funds for child and health care, rent, and other financial demands. For more information, visit www.afac.org and follow @afacfeeds on social media.
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