Love through food is
where it all began.

The PathForward story started in 1988, when two neighbors began preparing bagged meals from their homes and serving them to people experiencing homelessness. This simple act of kindness was the seed that blossomed into what we are today.

Every day we rely on our volunteers to prepare and serve bagged meal lunches to our clients. Through all of our meal programs, PathForward distributes over 40,000 meals annually. Meals are distributed at the Homeless Services Center and during street outreach.

Help us eliminate hunger
as a barrier to self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Bagged Meal Program (BMP)?

The BMP is a daily volunteer-supported program where volunteers assemble and deliver bagged meals for distribution at PathForward’s kitchen, located at our Homeless Services Center in the Courthouse neighborhood of Arlington.

Who can participate in the BMP?

Individuals, businesses, and community organizations are welcome to participate by assembling and delivering meals.

Where should meals be prepared and delivered?

Meals should be assembled off-site and delivered to the Homeless Services Center’s loading dock. If you’re interested in holding your activity onsite, please email admin@pfva.org.

What are the safety requirements for food donations?

Donors must review, adhere to, and provide a signed copy of PathForward’s Food Donation Release Form to comply with safety protocols.

What should each bagged meal include?

Each meal should contain:

  • (2) Meat and cheese sandwiches (ex: turkey, roast beef, chicken, or bologna)
  • (1) Savory snack item (ex: chips, pretzels, crackers)
  • (1) Sweet snack item – (ex: granola bars, cookies, brownies)
  • (1) Piece of soft fruit (ex: fruit cups, bananas, oranges. No apples due to dental concerns)
  • (1) Beverage (ex: water bottles, juice boxes, mini electrolyte bottles)

*Note: No peanut products due to allergies. Do not add condiments to sandwiches; individual condiment packets may be included.

What supplies are needed to assemble 50 bagged meals?

  • Masks and food service gloves for all volunteers
  • Tablecloths for food preparation surfaces
  • 50 brown paper lunch bags (recommend Jumbo size appx. 12.5 x 6 x 4)
  • 10–12 loaves of bread for 100 sandwiches
  • Meat, cheese, and 100 plastic sandwich bags
  • 50 savory snacks (chips, pretzels, crackers)
  • 50 sweet snacks (granola bars, cookies, brownies)
  • 50 pieces of soft fruit (fruit cups, bananas, oranges)
  • 50 individual beverages (water bottles, juice boxes, mini electrolyte bottles)

How should the meals be packed?

Place snacks and fruit at the bottom of the bag, and sandwiches on top. Deliver beverages separately in original packaging, not inside individual bags to avoid breaking the bags. Please ensure all bagged meals contain all listed items before donating.

Where and when can I deliver the meals?

Deliver meals and the Food Donation Release Form to the Homeless Services Center’s loading dock located at 2020A 14th Street North, Arlington, VA 22201. The Center is open 24/7, but the best delivery times are between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

How do I access the loading dock?

Enter “2020A 14th Street North” into your GPS, then turn onto Troy St N and pull into the loading dock driveway directly behind the building. Upon arrival, ring the intercom doorbell on the ‘Homeless Services Center’ doors or call 703-228-7802, and a PathForward representative will assist you.

Who can I contact for additional questions?

For more information or to ask additional questions, please contact us at admin@pfva.org.