New resources are now available that provide information on food resources in Arlington. The County's food assistance website provides information on many types of food assistance in the county. One new feature is a map that shows the locations and information about available resources, including days and times of availability, types of food provided and any eligibility requirements. Additionally, a flyer providing information on all food pantries open to the public and a flow chart of available assistance programs and how to access them is available in English and Spanish. The flyer and map have been updated to reflect current resources as of June 2021. Other resources about food assistance, including links to AFAC, public assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, Meals on Wheels, and other related information is also linked from this website.

Arlington Public Schools will offer free Grab & Go summer meals at 15 locations this summer, starting July 7. Breakfast and lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and is available to all children aged 18 and under. A special weekly distribution will be held on Monday, June 28 at all school year meal locations. A full list of locations can be found at the APS Food & Nutrition Services website.

This past year, Arlington County Government provided $400K and Arlington Community Foundation provided $200K to fund a grocery gift card pilot program to serve those in need of additional food assistance support. The pilot project, which is wrapping up, is serving 513 families, made up of over 1,500 individuals, with $200 a month in grocery gift cards for six months. Participants were enrolled through program partners, including the Arlington Free Clinic, Virginia Hospital Center Clinics, ASPIRE! Afterschool and others.

One participant said that “since receiving the grocery gift cards, my family has not had to go without meals. It is so nice to not worry that I won’t have food for my children.” Ninety-eight percent of participants reported that the gift cards allowed them to purchase food that better fit their household’s health needs, and 97% reported they were able to purchase more culturally appropriate foods.