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This NPR article discusses the U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent cancellation of a long-running survey that tracked how many Americans struggle to access enough food. This decision ends a critical data source used by researchers, advocates, and policymakers to understand food insecurity trends and guide interventions. Critics warn that without this survey, it will be harder to measure need, allocate resources, and hold systems accountable, especially as hunger remains a pressing issue nationwide.
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As costs for food, housing, and other goods and services continue to rise in northern Virginia, Fairfax County provides access to essential programs to ensure all individuals and families can thrive and no one goes hungry.
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At this month’s meeting, the Urban Agriculture Work Group visited Up Top Acres' Farm at Halley Rise where guest speaker John Rhodes of the Northern Virginia Beekeepers Association shared fascinating insights into the role of honeybees in our local and national food systems. From their unique behaviors to their critical contributions to agriculture, honeybees are more than just pollinators—they’re essential partners in food production and ecosystem health.
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Get2Green, Fairfax County Public Schools’ environmental stewardship program, was pleased to host Stacey Evers from Hands on Harvests, and Tony Makara, Fairfax County Master Gardener at the September After School Special for FCPS Get2Green Leaders and staff. The session encouraged schools to use their gardens to grow produce for their communities this fall. Many schools have had ample planting space installed in the form of raised beds, making them ideal for growing a variety of vegetables and herbs.
With their extensive gardening knowledge and experience working with students, Stacey and Tony were able to communicate how schools could help meet the increasing need for food, especially fresh produce in our county. The discussion focused on growing cool weather crops during spring and fall and how to make them available to the community. Participants had time to draw up plans for their garden spaces and were provided with seeds from Get2Green to help get them started.
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Real Food For Kids (RFFK), a nonprofit organization based in the greater Washington region, is seeking a Program Manager to help further their mission to advance nutrition equity for school-age children and their families through advocacy, education, and systemic policy change. This position remains open until it is filled.
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Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture is gearing up for their volunteer-led Fall Harvest Dinner and they need about 10 more volunteers to help make it a success! During this fun and festive evening, volunteers mingle with guests, serve canapés and wine, help plate beautiful dishes, and even get to taste the chefs’ creations. The event runs from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m., and many past volunteers say they enjoyed serving even more than attending!
Bonus: High school students can earn community service hours, and yes, bring your Tupperware.
If you’re available (or know someone who might be), Arcadia would be grateful for the help.
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Food For Neighbors provides essential food and toiletries to local middle and high school students in need, and you can be part of the solution. When you become a Red Bag Donor, Food For Neighbors will provide the bag. You’ll fill it with food for one of their five yearly collections and leave it by your front door. Their volunteers will pick it up, leave you an empty bag for next time, then sort and distribute the food to students who need extra support on weekends and school breaks when school meals aren’t available. It’s easy to do and it makes a big difference. Hunger is closer than you think.
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Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
September 24
October 22
November 19
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
October 8 (in-person, joint meeting with emergency food distributors)
November 17
December 15
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
October 21
November 18
December 16
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Any community member is welcome to attend work group meetings and events. All meetings and events are virtual, unless otherwise noted.
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Follow us for Fairfax Food Council Updates
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