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Fairfax County Government leaders recently held a meeting to discuss the impacts of the federal shutdown on food access across the county. The biggest takeaway: the shutdown has led to a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding shortage. If it continues, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which are administered by the USDA, may not be issued in November 2025, affecting approximately 56,600 county residents. Fairfax County's Department of Family Services has created a webpage for SNAP announcements, which will be updated if the shutdown continues.
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Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) recently released its 2025 Hunger Report. Key takeaways include:
- The food insecurity rate across the DMV region is 36%.
- The food insecurity rate in Fairfax County is 26%.
- 41% of households affected by federal spending and employment cuts are already food insecure.
- Since May 2020, the overall cost of living in the DMV region has increased by 21%, while wages have only risen by 6%.
- Food-insecure households in Fairfax County are facing difficult tradeoffs between food and other essential expenses such as transportation, medical care, and housing.
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Given recent federal policy changes affecting the food system, community members are encouraged to check the Food Access Map regularly for updated food distribution locations and times. Community members can also visit the Food Access Program website to explore the available county-wide food programs that may be relevant to their needs.
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At this month’s meeting, the Food Access & Literacy Work Group heard from Fairfax County Public Schools Food & Nutrition Services (FCPS FNS). FCPS FNS is leading more than 10 initiatives during the 2025–2026 school year, including adding over 20 new menu items, implementing Share Tables in all schools, and expanding access to after-school meals and hot suppers.
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On Wednesday, October 8, the Fairfax Food Council's Urban Agriculture Work Group joined forces with the Emergency Food Strategy Team to host a meeting between fresh food producers and emergency food providers. Representatives from 25 organizations across the DMV gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center to discuss opportunities and challenges involved in receiving, storing, and distributing fresh food donations.
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The Virginia Food Access Coalition (VFAC) is recruiting 8-10 Virginians with lived experience of food insecurity to join its new Neighbor Advisory Council. This council will create a structured pathway for community members to engage in meaningful state-level policy advocacy, focusing on VFAC’s four priority areas: Food is Medicine, Healthy School Meals for All, Local Agriculture, and SNAP & WIC. Council members may be eligible for stipends for their participation in meetings and advocacy efforts.
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Arcadia has received an offer from Tito’s Handmade Vodka to double the size of its Route 1 Community Farm! This expansion will allow them to welcome 100 low-income neighbors to grow their own food next spring.
It’s all happening on Thursday, November 6, and they need your help! Over 100 volunteers are needed for a full day of work.
To keep the day fun and show appreciation for all your hard work, volunteers will be treated to:
- Love, Tito’s swag
- Lunch
- A live DJ
- A post-project garden inspired cocktail hour
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The Snail of Approval 2026 award recognizes chefs, producers, farmers, and food businesses in DC, Maryland, and Virginia who embody Slow Food’s values of good, clean, and fair food for all. Their grassroots award celebrates those who care for the environment, support local communities, and create food with integrity and purpose.
Do you know someone who champions sustainability, seasonality, and community through their work?
Nominate them today and help Slow Food DC honor the people shaping a more delicious, equitable, and resilient local food system.
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Meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
November 19
December 17
January 28
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
November 17
December 15
January 26
Meets from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
November 18
December 16
January 20
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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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