New Task Force Aims to End Food Insecurity in Arlington
Published on April 22, 2021
Arlington County has launched a Food Security Task Force to develop strategies and recommendations to achieve a more food secure Arlington.
"Our fellow Arlingtonians in need are our families and neighbors, and while the County and community came together to address hunger needs throughout the pandemic, much more remains to be done," said Matt de Ferranti, Chair of the Arlington County Board. "This newly formed Food Security Task Force will play a vital role in addressing the gaps and racial inequalities of hunger and help us better collaborate to ensure that no Arlingtonians go hungry."
In the first few months of the pandemic, food insecurity emerged as a significant concern:
- Applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) increased 84 percent
- The number of households served by Arlington Food Assistance Center jumped 23 percent to more than 3,500
- Home delivered meals to seniors saw an increase of 32 percent Arlington Public Schools provided hundreds of thousands of meals to students at sites throughout the county
Non-profit organizations, faith-based food pantries, school PTAs, and local businesses, as well as federal and school nutrition programs have all played a significant role in meeting the needs of Arlington households. The task force will work to coordinate efforts across Arlington to ensure that every resident has access to the food they need.
The group will be led by the Food Security Coordinator at Arlington's Department of Human Services, Stephanie Hopkins. Funding to create this position was allocated in August 2020 by the County Board, noting the need for centralized coordination of food assistance efforts. "I look forward to working with this great group of community leaders to develop a plan that will address barriers families face when accessing food assistance — and also to fortify our food provider network so they can better meet the needs of the people coming to them for help," Hopkins said.
The task force will operate for 12 to 18 months to conduct a needs assessment and create a food security strategic plan for Arlington that includes short and long-term goals and actions that will set a path for an integrated food security system in the county. These strategies will work to close access gaps, work toward a sustainable food provider network, and ensure access to healthy, affordable, and appropriate food for all Arlingtonians to access in a dignified manner.
Food Security Task Force Members
- Robin Broder, Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture
- Wendy Carria, Arlington Public Schools
- Rachel Coates, DHS, Arlington Aging and Disability Services Division
- Lawrence Collins, Community Member
- Susan Davidson, AHC
- Matt de Ferranti, Arlington County Board
- Sally Diaz Wells, Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church
- Tracy Gabriel, National Landing BID
- Tracy Gaither, Arlington Public Schools
- Arron Gregory, Arlington Public Schools
- David Guas, Bayou Bakery, Coffee Bar & Eatery
- Kim Haun, Department of Parks & Recreation
- Stephanie Hopkins, DHS, Economic Independence Division
- Daniela Hurtado, La Cocina VA
- Jody Kelly, Arlington Free Clinic
- Amy McWilliams, Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO)
- Charlie Meng, Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC)
- Natalia Muniz, Arlington Community Foundation
- Marvin Nells, Community Member
- Mary Porter, Real Food for Kids
- Abby Raphael, Destination 2027
- Pat Rivers, DHS, Economic Independence Division
- Aisha Salazar, Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Mary Sanders, Healthy Community Action Team
- Cynthia Singiser, Capital Area Food Bank
- Bethany Zecher Sutton, Randolph Elementary School PTA
- Violet Taylor, Community Member
- Janeth Valenzuela, Superintendent's Advisory Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Student Concerns