Mission

Our only mission is to feed the hungry, but by relieving the food budget of our clients, we help prevent homelessness, and allow our clients to make other necessary purchases without sacrificing their health and nutritional needs.

We provide groceries to families and individuals referred to us by the Arlington County Department of Human Services, other social service agencies, and the churches of Arlington.

AFAC fits neatly into the comprehensive system of service delivery that characterizes the work done by the agencies and churches in Arlington. We support the work of other agencies by letting them concentrate on their area of expertise. If area social workers see a need for food with their clients, they can easily make a referral to us. This system ensures that our clients are legitimate and that the entire range of their needs is being assessed and addressed.

AFAC obtains surplus food at a minimal cost from the Capital Area Community Food Bank and at no cost from local bakeries, supermarkets, farmers' markets, food drives, and private donors.

Programs

AFAC currently distributes over 1 million pounds of groceriest to needy Arlington families. Nearly 40% of our clients are children, and 10% are senior citizens. In addition, we distribute a box of standard items through the Department of Human Services to help those in immediate need of food.