New Strategic Plan Plots Course to End Food Insecurity in Arlington

Arlington County’s Food Security Task Force has released its first-ever strategic plan for improving food security in Arlington. 

Food insecurity affects at least 7% of Arlington residents and that number continues to rise amid continued inflation pressures. This plan reflects a concerted effort to ensure that investments and efforts are coordinated to meet the community’s food needs. 

The plan was developed through a two-year effort that identified resources, needs, and gaps, and it includes 28 strategies grouped into five categories. A new food security coalition will be created, under the direction of the county’s Food Security Coordinator, that will oversee the implementation of the plan’s recommendations. 

“Food insecurity is a part of life for thousands of Arlington residents,” said Arlington County Board Member Matt de Ferranti, who is the Board’s liaison to the task force. “It affects our quality of life and is at the heart of the community we want to be. This strategic plan presents a coordinated approach that allows us to better address the gaps and racial inequities of hunger, and to better collaborate and maximize our resources.”

About the Food Security Strategic Plan

Arlington's Food Security Task Force, launched in April 2021 and made up of representatives from County government, Arlington Public Schools, non-profit agencies, faith organizations and community members active in food security work, conducted a needs assessment and developed this food security strategic plan.

The strategies in the plan address the gaps and barriers that residents face when accessing the food they need, improve the experience of accessing food assistance, and help those providing assistance to improve their coordination and service delivery.

The strategic plan includes 28 strategies grouped within five main categories:

• Systemic Change: Implementing policies and processes to reduce structural inequities that perpetuate food insecurity and health disparities within the community.
• Food Access: Increasing availability of affordable and free food through retail, school, and charitable partners.
• Outreach and Education: Improving access to information about available resources and building knowledge for increased nutrition security.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening food assistance providers’ ability to best address the needs of those accessing their services.
• Informed Decision Making: Leveraging data, collaborations, and participant feedback to monitor the needs, progress, and evolution of food security in Arlington.

All 28 strategies are listed in the Executive Summary and details on the each one can be found in the Food Security Strategic Plan.

Food Security Resources

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.

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.