Arlington Awards Food Security Mini-Grants to Community Organizations
Published on September 17, 2024
The Arlington County Board announced the allocation of $150,000 in one-time food security mini-grants to community organizations. These organizations provide support for key initiatives within the County’s Food Security Strategic Plan, which was adopted in October 2022.
The Department of Human Services (DHS) coordinated the Notice of Funding Availability process and reviewed more than 31 grant proposals, eventually recommending that 11 local non-profits (see chart below) receive varying amounts of funding.
"This is the second year of the food security mini-grant program," said DHS Director Anita Friedman. "Community organizations are often in the best place to gauge community needs and develop solutions, so we are delighted to partner with them on this important work. The impact of the projects funded in FY 2024 was significant, and we look forward to seeing more impressive results with this round of funding."
The grants will be delivered to the following groups:
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Awardee
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Amount
|
Description
|
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Food For Neighbors
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$11,500
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Expand program that provides teen-friendly food to middle and high schools to support students in need to one additional school to serve 6 Arlington schools.
|
|
Friends of Urban Agriculture
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$15,650
|
Hire an intern to increase organizational capacity and sustainability. Purchase supplies to support Plot Against Hunger gardens and gleaning efforts that provide free produce to small, local food pantries.
|
|
Kitchen of Purpose (Officially La Cocina VA)
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$16,500
|
Expand Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to serve meals at after-school programs in Arlington. CACFP reimburses 50% of the cost of afterschool meals for programs in high need areas with federal funds.
|
|
Meals on Wheels of Arlington, VA
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$7,712
|
Provide a week's worth of shelf stable meals to participants to safeguard in case of emergency.
|
|
Mount Olivet United Methodist Church Community Assistance Program
|
$722
|
Purchase chicken on a bi-monthly basis to supplement what they receive from Capital Area Food Bank. Meat will be stored in a newly purchased freezer.
|
|
Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church Food Pantry
|
$16,506
|
Replace and update food pantry equipment and purchase additional produce to keep up with increased participant numbers.
|
|
Provision Church
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$20,000
|
Support the launch of a community café at the Central United Methodist Church in Ballston, providing meals and case management twice a week, particularly to unhoused individuals.
|
|
Randolph Elementary School Food Pantry
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$9,000
|
Purchase fresh produce, protein, and household necessities to distribute at monthly school food distributions to supplement what they receive from Capital Area Food Bank.
|
|
Real Food for Kids
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$18,000
|
Implement Fresh Food Explorers, an eight-week nutrition education program for VPI preschool students, in four classes at two schools, including weekly produce bags for participating students' families during the program.
|
|
Saint George's Episcopal Church
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$10,000
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Purchase and provide fresh and culturally relevant foods to better support increased participant numbers.
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|
Shirlington Employment and Education Center
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$24,410
|
Provide day laborers with 3 hot meals per week from local Latino restaurants during winter months when there is less availability of work.
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The County’s broader work around the issues of food security began with an Urban Institute research report, "Improving Food Security and Access in Arlington County, Virginia," which surveyed 9,143 residents in key census tracts. Subsequent engagement activities were conducted through a Food Security Task Force, and later, the Food Security Coalition. The Coalition is tasked with implementing the strategic plan that was developed in response to identified food security issues.
The mini-grants review team included county residents, food security experts and county staff. All funds must be spent in FY 2025.
If you are in need food assistance, visit the County website for information and free resources.
Visit the Food Security Coalition webpage for information on how you can join.