Hunger Free Alexandria to Host Alexandria Food Day 2019

Alexandria, VA – Hunger Free Alexandria (HFA) is hosting Alexandria Food Day 2019 on October 16 as part of World Food Day, a day of action dedicated to tackling global hunger in commemoration of the founding of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization.

“Our goal is to raise awareness about food insecurity in our city and provide opportunities for all Alexandrians to become advocates for ending hunger,” said Matthew Gillette, HFA Co-Chair.  “With events and activities taking place across the City throughout the day, we are encouraging our neighbors to join in and make a difference through advocacy, education, volunteer activities, and donations to food drives.”

According to “Towards an End to Hunger in Alexandria”, it is estimated that one in five Alexandrians, predominantly children, are living with food insecurity. Alexandria Food Day 2019 will serve as an important reminder, not only of the issue of food insecurity, but of the hunger relief efforts that are taking place across our community. Food insecurity is not a distant concept. It is a real and urgent issue in Alexandria, and on October 16, we all have a chance to do something about it.

Here are ways to get involved and make a difference between now and October 16:

Attend Community Discussion moderated by Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker on October 16 at 7 pm: The discussion will be focused on food equity. Speakers will include Dr. Bethany Letiecq, Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at George Mason University, Esperita Bullard, Customer Relations Manager for the City of Alexandria and Natalie Talis,  Public Health Planner at the Alexandria Health Department. It will take place at Washington Street United Methodist Church (109 S. Washington Street. Alexandria, VA 22314). 

• Host a Food Drive: If you are interested in hosting a food drive please contact [email protected]. All food collected will be distributed to Alexandrians through Hunger Free Alexandria’s partners. 

• Donate Food: Our goal is to collect 10 tons of food. Community members can drop off non-perishable food items at any of the locations listed below between now and October 16th. Most needed foods include canned fruits, canned meat and fish, canned beans, soup, canned vegetables, pasta, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, and pasta sauce. Donation sites:

• • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

    • 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304

  • First Christian Church of Alexandria/ALIVE! Office

    • 2723 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302

  • Great Harvest Bread

    • 1711 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302

  • ALIVE! Food Warehouse (between 9 am – 12 pm, weekdays)

    • 801 South Payne Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

  • ON OCTOBER 16: Bring all food donations to the ALIVE! truck at City Hall from 9 am – 3 pm

    • 301 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

• Volunteer:

  • “Fill The ALIVE! Truck” Volunteers Needed on October 16th, 9 am – 3 pm. Volunteers are needed to help “Fill The ALIVE! Truck.” Volunteers will load and stack the donated food inside the truck, and help unload at the ALIVE! Food Warehouse. You do not need to work the whole day. Any help is appreciated! Contact Ann Patterson ([email protected] or 703-407-0958).

  • Volunteer at the Dale Street Community Garden October 16th, 12pm – 1pm. Visit the new community garden on a mission to reduce food insecurity. Join the gardening team for a tour of the garden and help prepare raised garden beds for the winter by sowing cover crop seed and building cold frames. Gloves and refreshments will be provided.