Fighting Student Hunger in ARLINGTON County
At Food For Neighbors, we believe no child should worry about where their next meal is coming from. In Arlington County, more than 31% of students depend on the free or reduced-priced meals provided at school, leaving many of them vulnerable to hunger on weekends and school breaks.
That’s where we step in.
If you’re in need of food donations, click here to find local resources that can help provide the support you need.
HUNGER IN Arlington COUNTY
These statistics underscore the ongoing challenges of food insecurity among students in Arlington County. (source, source)
31%
ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Approximately 31% of students in Arlington County Public Schools qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
57%
HIGHEST ELIGIBILITY RATES in APS
Many APS schools report higher than average free and reduced eligibility rates, with several reporting more than 57%.
58%+
LIMITED ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE
Only about 42% of food-insecure individuals in Arlington County qualify for SNAP benefits, leaving 58% without access to this form of assistance.
9.9%
FOOD INSECURITY RATE
An estimated 9.9% of Arlington County’s population experiences food insecurity, affecting around 23,390 individuals.
Arlington County Schools We Serve
Food For Neighbors has partnerships with these Arlington County middle and high schools.
Does your school have a need for a food pantry to help support students who struggle with food insecurity? We would love to talk to you about bringing our program to your area.
Arlington AREA
Arlington Career Center, Arlington Community HS, Dorothy Hamm MS, Gunston MS, Kenmore MS, Wakefield HS
Arlington COUNTY FAQS
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about our programs in Arlington County.
My school is not listed. How can we Sign up for your programs?
If your school is interested in joining Food For Neighbors, we’d love to connect with you. Start here for more details on the next steps.
How Can I Volunteer in Arlington County?
We would love to have you join us! We rely on volunteers to collect food donations, organize food drives, and distribute food to schools. To learn about our volunteer opportunities, click here.
If you would like to get more involved, we offer a variety of leadership opportunities. If you have a special skill, want to make a difference in your community, and enjoy working with a dedicated team, click here.
What specific programs does Food For Neighbors offer in Arlington County?
Food For Neighbors supports local students through initiatives like the Red Bag Program, which collects and distributes food to schools. We also provide grocery gift cards to the most vulnerable families, help schools start food pantries, provide toiletries, and distribute holiday meals. We work directly with APS staff, who identify those in need and connect them with these resources.
How often do you collect food in Arlington County?
Through our Red Bag Program, we collect food five times during the school year. You can request a bag, fill it, and leave it by your door on our designated dates. Our volunteers will pick it up and make sure it reaches a local school the same day. It really is that easy to make a difference.
We are honored to be recognized as a Best of Arlington 2023 Editor’s Pick for School-Based Food Pantry. This recognition highlights our commitment to supporting local students facing food insecurity and the positive impact of our partnership with schools in the Arlington community.
Our Arlington COUNTY AREA LEADERSHIP
Arlington
Area Manager – Christy McIntyre
Event Coordinator – Jennifer Gendell
Driver Coordinator – Karen Penn
Join Our ARLINGTON COUNTY Team
Through the generosity of our community, we collect and distribute essential food items to middle and high school students facing food insecurity. Our Red Bag Program, volunteer network, and partnerships with local schools ensure that students have access to nourishing meals when they need them most.
Together, we’re making a difference—one bag of food at a time. Join us in our mission to support local youth and strengthen our community!
See the Impact:
Our Community in Action!
TESTIMONIALS
Learn first hand about the important work we’re doing in Arlington County from volunteers, schools staff and donors in the area.
“The impact of the partnership with FFN and [our school] is immeasurable. Being able to offer food for students who are taking evening classes without meal services supports their learning by providing fuel to engage in learning after a long day of work. The partnership also allows us to support students who need a food bridge between Friday and Monday. And lastly, having FFN food available during the day contributes to creating a school environment that supports the whole-student by meeting the foundational need for food so that students are available for learning and not distracted by hunger.”
HIGH SCHOOL Principal
Arlington Public Schools
“The snacks that Food for Neighbor provide to our school helps out our staff, students…so much. Teachers have snacks that they keep in their classroom to feed students when they are hungry. The weekend bags that we give to students on Friday help them at home. The majority of our students have shared with me that their parent or guardian can not afford these kind of snacks at home. They have seen these snacks on commercials and had asked their parents or guardians to buy them, but have been told that it is too expensive. Students and their family are so thankful to Food for Neighbors for helping them.”
Bilingual Family Specialist
Arlington Public Schools
“…Food For Neighbors has proven to be a life line [sic] for many of our student’s in need. They feel reassured that they can access food when needed throughout the school day. They frequently communicate appreciation for weekend bags that are provided. As a social worker, I have been able to develop relationships with students, which enables me to further learn and understand additional need for them…. Teachers appreciate the snack bins provided. This allows them to keep students in their class and provide them with a snack to assist with focus and engagement. Food For Neighbors has been invaluable resource.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Arlington Public Schools
