Hunger Is Closer Than You Think

More than 8,700 students at 53 local middle and high schools in Northern Virginia rely on Food For Neighbors for food support. Our Red Bag Program unites communities to collect and deliver food directly to schools, ensuring students in need don’t go hungry. What started in Herndon, VA, is now growing across Northern Virginia.

Food For Neighbors is helping students thrive by turning community kindness into nourishing meals.

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

There are lots of great ways to help teens right in your community. Volunteer today and make a difference. 

The next Red Bag Event IS

Sign up today to volunteer or donate food for our upcoming food collection.

Give local students

A CHANCE TO SUCCEED.

In Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, among the nation’s wealthiest areas, more than 1 in 4 children face food insecurity.

Many families facing hunger don’t qualify for aid, leaving students without the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Your donation provides direct support, fueling their focus and future.

Give local students

A CHANCE TO SUCCEED.

In Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties, among the nation’s wealthiest areas, more than 1 in 4 children face food insecurity.

Many families facing hunger don’t qualify for aid, leaving students without the food they need to learn, grow, and thrive. Your donation provides direct support, fueling their focus and future.

FIGHTING HUNGER, ONE BAG AT A TIME

What began with just two schools, 60 households, and 550 lbs of food in 2016 has grown into a powerful community movement. Our mission is to ensure that every teen gets the nourishment they need to thrive. With a compassionate community working alongside us, we are making a difference every day.

pounds of food collected at our March 2025 event

pounds of food collected since 2016

households proudly participating

volunteers making it all possible

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA

Food For Neighbors is making a difference throughout Northern Virginia. Learn more about our work in Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.

Our Arlington County team supports six local middle and high schools, regularly collecting more than 2,500 pounds of food during each event.

We began in 2016 in Fairfax County with two local schools and have expanded to include seven sorting sites supporting 36 middle and high schools.

Operating from two sorting sites located at local churches, our Loudoun County presence covers 11 schools serving more than 1,900 students.

PARTNER WITH US

With five different giving levels and endless ways to contribute, it’s never been easier to make a difference in your community. We’re fortunate to have businesses, big and small, share their wonderful community spirit with us. Join our mission as a Food For Neighbors’ Partner.

You Make a Difference

Your generosity fills the hearts of those touched by your kindness.

Slide 5
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SERVICES

“The food nourishes not only their bellies, but also their souls. It gives them hope. It shows people in our community that you are seen; you are heard; you are not forgotten. You matter.

Slide 4
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT

“My mom and dad work 2 jobs and always have and there’s 3 of us kids so it’s hard….Once around Christmas when it was especially tight, we got two gift cards and it was real special because Food For Neighbors was nice enough to do that for our families and other ones too. Man it’s a blessing for a lot of us out here struggling.

Slide 5
HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

“Thank you so much to Food for Neighbors. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate all that you have done to help students who are food insecure. We have noticed that numerous students are attending school more often because they know that food assistance is available at our school.”

high school parent
HIGH SCHOOL PARENT

“I personally want to take the time out to simply say thank you for everything you have done for us. You have gone far above & beyond more than anyone else has, and I can not express enough gratitude for that towards you. You really have helped me in the most toughest times I’ve ever experienced in my life. So for this, Thank you.”

SCHOOL BOARD
FCPS SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

“The Food for Neighbors event is a testament to a grassroots effort that has expanded to provide a much needed service to the community. The efforts of these parents and school staff are to be lauded, but support is required as the need of the community far outpaces their capacity. I am glad to have been able to participate in this event and look forward to supporting the fall drive.”

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The next Red Bag Event is Saturday, April 26, 2025. Join us!

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