 Fall Food Security News
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September is Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month. It is a great time to educate yourself about food insecurity and do something to help those who are hungry. Here are a few ideas:
Arlington Public Schools
Free School Meals for All
For the 2021-22 school year, all APS students will have access to free breakfast and lunch at their schools. Each school will have their own procedure for serving breakfast and lunch. Many schools will be offer breakfast as a grab and go option when students enter the building. Lunch will look different at each school depending on the size of the cafeteria, available outdoor space, and other considerations.
School meals are available at no cost to students this school year, and applying for meal benefits can provide families additional resources and discounts. Applications are available in ParentVUE or at http://www.myschoolapps.com. Students attending CEP schools (Barcroft, K.W. Barrett, Carlin Springs, Dr. Charles R. Drew, Randolph) should not complete an application.
SNAP (Food Stamps) Updates
Increased SNAP Benefits
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The USDA has updated the formula that it uses to determine SNAP benefits, called the Thrifty Food Plan. This change is designed to make SNAP benefits more accurately reflect the modern cost and understanding of a healthy diet. Each individual will receive 25% more, or approximately $36 more each month compared to pre-pandemic benefits. These changes will go into effect in October. |
Increased SNAP Income Limit
A new Virginia law has raised the gross income limit for households applying for SNAP. Under the new policy, households can have a gross income (before taxes and deductions) of 200% of the federal poverty level and be eligible for SNAP as long as their net income (after taxes and deductions) is below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Online Ordering
SNAP Electronics Benefits Cards (EBT) can now be used to make online grocery purchases in Virginia with these retailers: ALDI, Amazon, Food Lion, Giant, and Walmart. SNAP EBT is now accepted for curbside pickup and delivery orders at Giant and can be used for Instacart purchases at ALDI. EBT cannot be used to pay for the pickup or delivery fees, but can be used to pay for the groceries themselves. WIC benefits can still only be used for in-store purchases.
AFAC's New Hours
AFAC is restarting its evening distribution and adjusting its weekly daytime hours. Starting September 7, hours at the Nelson St. headquarters will be:
- Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 1 PM
- Thursday evenings: 6 - 7 PM
- Saturday: 9 - 11 AM
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Food Service Job Opportunities
La Cocina VA Culinary Training Course
Starting in September, La Cocina VA is hosting a new cohort in its Culinary Training program. This program prepares low income individuals for meaningful careers in the food industry by providing hands on culinary training, workforce and culinary certifications, and a paid internship. This cohort will be conducted in English with future classes held in Spanish. Apply online or contact La Cocina VA for more information before classes start on September 20.
APS Food Service Job Openings
APS Food & Nutrition Services is hiring for lunchroom attendants and kitchen managers. See current available positions here.
Research Study
The Food Security Task Force has partnered with the Washington DC-based Urban Institute to conduct a food security needs assessment. The study will focus on zip codes 22203, 22204, and 22206 which have higher proportions of food insecure residents. As part of the study, a survey of residents in the targeted zip codes will be conducted. Interviews with some survey respondents will provide a deeper understanding of residents’ food security. Study results will be available in early 2022. |
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Participant Story
Catherine receives AFAC delivery
How did you learn about this place/service?
I learned about AFAC 10 years ago. I was homeless and had recently moved into an apartment but continued to struggle with food. I used to come to AFAC on a regular basis but once I got stable I stopped coming to AFAC for about 5-6 years. A year and half ago, my legs stopped working and I struggled greatly to find someone to pick up my groceries at AFAC for me. It wasn't until I was hungry, with no food in the house, that I got in contact with the Department of Human Services for Arlington County to get signed up for AFAC home delivery services.
What's your favorite dish/recipe you like to prepare with the food?
My favorite dishes to prepare with the food I receive from AFAC home delivery are veggie lo mein & creamy shells with beef.
What do you enjoy about this service?
I enjoy my AFAC volunteer driver, Sonia, very much. She always makes sure to call me when she is on the way so my aide has time to prepare to meet her downstairs in the lobby. I just love Sonia!
How has this service impacted your life?
AFAC delivery has given me hope and realization that someone out there cares. It makes me feel like I matter.
Holiday Activities & Special Events
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Are you with an organization that is planning a special food distribution event for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other event? Please fill out this form to share the details of your event so we can help promote your efforts if applicable. |
Additional Information
Visit the Arlington County food assistance website for up-to-date information about resources in the community, including this flyer with food pantries open to all, updated in August 2021.
If you have questions about food security in Arlington or have information to share, please contact Stephanie Hopkins, Food Security Coordinator at shopkins@arlingtonva.us or 703-228-1065.
Sharable Format
Want to share this newsletter with others in the community? Click here for a flyer that summarizes the information into a printable 1-page format in English and Spanish.
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