Feeding the Homeless: How to Provide Support in Arlington, Virginia
13.5% of Americans experience food insecurity in a given year–meaning they don’t have access to an adequate supply of nutritious, affordable food. According to Arlington County’s Food Security Task Force, 16,670 or 7.1% of our neighbors experience food insecurity. At PathForward, we believe that everyone deserves access to the basics of survival, including food, shelter, and safety.
In Arlington, Virginia, providing food is one of the most immediate and impactful ways to support those in need. In this post, we’re sharing how you can get involved in providing food assistance to our community members experiencing homelessness.
6 Ways to Provide Food to the Homeless in Arlington, Virginia
In 2023, PathForward provided more than 48,000 meals–and we couldn’t have done it without the generosity of our community! There are many meaningful ways to provide food to our community members in need. Whether through monetary donations, volunteering, or hosting an event, your contributions will help ensure that those experiencing homelessness in Arlington have access to the meals they need to thrive.
1. Bagged Meal Program
PathForward’s Bagged Meal Program is a daily, volunteer-supported initiative where volunteers assemble and deliver nutritious, easy-to-carry meals for distribution at our Homeless Services Center.
Individuals, businesses, and community organizations are encouraged to participate by purchasing supplies to prepare and deliver bagged meals for those in need. These meals typically include two sandwiches, snacks, fruit, and a beverage, offering essential sustenance for people who may not have access to a place to eat or are living on the streets.
This flexible and hands-on program is a great way to get involved and make a direct impact, ensuring that those experiencing homelessness in Arlington receive the meals they need to get through the day.
Learn more about our Bagged Meal Program
2. Collaborate with Community Partners
At PathForward, we are fortunate to have strong community partners like the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), who play a vital role in addressing food insecurity in our region. AFAC helps us by donating milk, eggs, and chicken for the Homeless Services Center, and they ensure that our clients in housing have access to fresh, nutritious food at their distribution center or any of their grocery locations throughout Arlington.
By supporting or volunteering with organizations like AFAC, you can amplify the collective impact of fighting food insecurity in Arlington. Learn more about their work and how you can contribute.
3. Donate Food
PathForward also welcomes food donations directly from the community. If you have surplus food or non-perishable items to give, you can help stock our kitchen or contribute to meal preparations.
Our greatest need for food items includes:
- Bagged Meal Program items
- Proteins (meats, eggs, dairy, plant-based alternatives, etc.)
- Healthy snack items (energy or protein bars, fruit snacks, crackers, etc.)
- Water bottles
- Electrolyte drinks
- Diabetic-friendly meal shakes (like Boost or Ensure)
- Frozen ready-to-eat meals
- Frozen breakfast items
These items are crucial for ensuring that individuals in need have access to nutritious, easy-to-consume meals and snacks.
Please review and adhere to our food donation guidelines before dropping off your generous contributions. This helps ensure that all donations meet safety and quality standards for distribution.
Learn more about food donations
4. Monetary Donations
One of the most direct ways to support feeding people experiencing homelessness is through monetary donations. Your financial contributions help fund PathForward’s operations, including providing three nutritious meals a day to individuals at our shelter and outreach locations. These meals are a vital lifeline for people facing food insecurity, ensuring they have access to consistent, nutritious food.
Donations also help support other critical services, such as our life-saving medical programs, housing support, and supportive services for the homeless population. Your gift, no matter the size, goes a long way in making a tangible impact.
We offer several ways to make a monetary donation, including:
5. Host an Event
Hosting an event is a great way to raise awareness and funds to support PathForward’s efforts to feed the homeless. We encourage individuals, businesses, schools, and community organizations to create their own events, from casual fundraisers to large-scale gatherings. Whether it’s a charity run, a benefit dinner, or a simple donation drive, your event can make a big difference!
You can choose to focus on raising funds for meal programs, or you can combine fundraising with a direct food or supply drive to gather much-needed resources. Whether big or small, your event can help feed the homeless and offer critical resources to those in need.
Get started by emailing admin@pfva.org and we will help guide you through the process of setting up your event.
6. Corporate & Group/Individual Volunteering
Volunteering is another great way to contribute! We encourage both corporate groups and individual volunteers to get involved in meal preparation, serving meals at the shelter, and distributing meals to those on the streets.
Volunteering can include hands-on activities such as:
- Preparing bagged meals: Gather with friends, family, or colleagues to assemble meals that will be distributed as part of our Bagged Meal Program.
- Serving meals: Join the team at PathForward and help serve meals directly to individuals in need.
- Donating time or skills: If you have specific expertise, consider offering your time to help improve our services and programs.
Corporate groups can also participate by organizing team-building volunteer opportunities, giving employees the chance to give back to the community while making a direct impact.
Learn more about our volunteer opportunities
Donate Food, Time, & Funds to Support People Experiencing Homelessness in Arlington, VA
Since 1992, PathForward has been helping people find their way to stability. Through comprehensive programs that offer a full circle of support, our clients find hope, dignity and the chance to live free from the threat of homelessness. By donating today, you can make a direct impact on the lives of our community members who are facing homelessness. Whether you contribute funds, food, or time, your support helps us continue our mission to feed and support those in need. Contact us to learn more!