From Noon Until 2 PM, Friday, Jan 25

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The City of Alexandria urges the public to participate in a regional “rolling food collection drive” to help replenish local food banks that have assisted federal employees and contractors affected by the partial government shutdown. The food collection drive, sponsored by Howard University, WHUR 96.3 and FedEx, will visit Alexandria’s Market Square (King and Royal Streets in Old Town Alexandria) on Friday, January 25, from noon until 2 p.m.

The public is encouraged to bring donations of non-perishable food to help fill a FedEx truck bound for the Capital Area Food Bank, which has also been hosting weekly food giveaways for furloughed workers and contractors. The items most wanted include canned or dry beans; peanut butter; canned vegetables (low sodium, no salt added); grains (brown and white rice, pasta, macaroni); hot and cold cereal (oatmeal; cornflakes, raisin bran, etc.); canned tuna, salmon or chicken; healthy snacks; canned fruit (in light syrup or in its own juices); and 100% juices (all sizes, including juice boxes).

The shutdown, which has now lasted more than a month, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees and contractors furloughed or working without pay. This has increased pressure on food banks nationwide, which were often struggling to meet existing community needs. Officials now estimate that the impact on local food banks will last several months after the shutdown ends.

Alexandria is one of four scheduled donation stops, which include:

• Howard University Administration Building (2400 Sixth St. NW, Washington, D.C.): Thursday, January 24, 5-9 a.m.
• John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Ave. NW,  Washington D.C.): Thursday, January 24, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Wayne Curry Administration Building (1301 McCormick Drive, Largo, Md.): Friday, January 25, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
• Alexandria Market Square (across from 132 N. Royal St., Alexandria, Va.): Friday, January 25, noon — 2 p.m.

Food may also be donated at Alexandria’s ALIVE! food bank (801 S. Payne St.), any weekday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

For federal government employees and contractors seeking assistance, visit the City’s Resources for Federal Workers page.