Fighting Student Hunger in Fairfax County
No child should ever have to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
In Fairfax County, over 33% of students rely on free or reduced-price school meals—leaving many hungry on weekends and school breaks. But together, we can change that. Food For Neighbors steps in to fill the gap, ensuring students have the food they need to thrive, every day.
If you’re in need of food donations, click here to find local resources that can help provide the support you need.
HUNGER IN FAIRFAX COUNTY
The statistics underscore the ongoing challenges of food insecurity among students in Fairfax County. (source, source)
36%
ELIGIBILITY FOR FREE OR REDUCED-PRICE MEALS
Approximately 36% of students in Fairfax County Public Schools qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.
78%
HIGHEST ELIGIBILITY RATE
Our partner schools often have higher than average eligibility rates, with one FCPS school reporting over 78% of students who qualify.
54%+
LIMITED ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE
Only about 46% of food-insecure individuals in Loudoun County qualify for SNAP benefits, leaving 54% without access to this form of assistance.
8.4%
FOOD INSECURITY RATE
An estimated 8.4% of Fairfax County’s population experiences food insecurity, affecting around 96,520 individuals.
FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOLS WE SERVE
Food For Neighbors has partnerships with these Fairfax 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.
CENTREVILLE AREA
Centreville HS, Chantilly HS, Mountain View Alternative HS, Stone MS
FAIRFAX AREA
Fairfax HS, Frost MS, Katherine Johnson MS
FALLS CHURCH AREA
Annandale HS, Cedar Lane School, Falls Church HS, Holmes MS, Justice HS, Luther Jackson MS, McLean HS, Poe MS
FORT HUNT AREA
Bryant HS, Mount Vernon HS, Quander Road School, Sandburg MS, West Potomac HS, Whitman MS
HERNDON AREA
Herndon HS, Herndon MS, Langston Hughes MS, Rachel Carson MS, South Lakes HS
SOUTH COUNTY AREA
Edison HS, Hayfield MS, Hayfield SS, South County HS, South County MS, Twain MS
SPRINGFIELD AREA
John R. Lewis HS, Key MS, West Springfield HS, Washington Irving MS
Fairfax COUNTY FAQS
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about our programs in Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 Fairfax 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 FCPS staff, who identify those in need and connect them with these resources.
How often do you collect food in Fairfax 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.
As an FCPS Ignite Partner, we are proud to collaborate with Fairfax County Public Schools to address food insecurity and support the well-being of students in our community. Together, we are creating a stronger, more connected community where every student has the resources they need to succeed.
We are thrilled to be named the Volunteer Fairfax 2024 Winner for our outstanding community impact and dedication to serving local teens facing food insecurity. This award celebrates the incredible efforts of our volunteers, partners, and supporters who make our mission possible, and we are grateful for their unwavering commitment.
Our FAIRFAX COUNTY AREA LEADERSHIP
CENTREVILLE
Area Manager – Heather Ellison
Event Coordinator – Kate Trussell
Volunteer Coordinator – Kristen Lasich
Driver Coordinator – Matt Ellison
fairfax
Area Manager – Ana Scher
Event Coordinator – Vivian Cruz
Driver Coordinator – Marie Sloane
FALLS CHURCH
Area Manager – Paula Prettyman
Event Coordinator – Suzanne Zulauf
Driver Coordinator – Shannon Kentner
FORT HUNT
Area Manager – Laura Wainwright
Event Coordinator – Andrea Wilkinson
Driver Coordinator – Laura Wainwright
Pantry Coordinator – Vero Autphenne
HERNDON
Area Manager – Pabla Ayala
Event Coordinator – Fiona Gonsalvez
Volunteer Coordinator – Karen Kucik
Driver Coordinator (North) – Jillian O’Shea-Smith
Driver Coordinator (South) – Erika Carlson
SOUTH COUNTY
Area Manager – Karen McGuinness
Event Coordinator – Karen McGuinness
Driver Coordinator – Melissa McEntee
SPRINGFIELD
Area Manager – Darlene Christopher
Event Coordinator – Kirstin O’Connor
Volunteer Coordinator – Tahnee Blauser
Driver Coordinator – Laurie Perry
Join Our FAIRFAX COUNTY TeamS
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 Fairfax County from volunteers, schools staff and donors in the area.
“This is my first year working as a school social worker. Food for Neighbors has been such a great resource for students and families at my school and has brought so many smiling faces. It has helped me create relationships with students, families, and other staff members. Food for Neighbors works so hard to provide food to community schools and I know that this resource has made a great impact on the families that they have touched. Thank you so much for your support this school year and I look forward to working with you next year!”
MIDDLE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
Fairfax County Public Schools
“This year Food For Neighbors has been crucial as we had a handful of families who are going to hardships due to loss of jobs, not having a stable home life having to live in a room and use the sink to wash dishes and a microwave and a mini fridge as a kitchen, working single parents who are struggling to make ends meet and also parents battling diseases. These parents are always so thankful for this help.”
MIDDLE SCHOOL FAMILY LIAISON
Fairfax County Public Schools
“I am writing this testimonial with an overflowing heart to express our gratitude for the invaluable support that the Food for Neighbors program has provided to our students and families. The provision of food through this program has not only addressed the immediate concerns of hunger but has also contributed to the overall well-being of our students. The dedication and compassion demonstrated by the Food for Neighbors organizers and volunteers have truly made a difference in the lives of our students and their families.”
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Fairfax County Public Schools
