Alexandria’s Generosity Was Big at the Holidays — Now ALIVE! Needs Our Help Again

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria showed up in a big way during the holidays.

Food drives were full. Donations poured in. Neighbors helped neighbors.

But the need did not end in December.

Right now, more than 20,000 Alexandria residents are served by ALIVE! each month through its food assistance programs. With layoffs, furloughs, and rising grocery prices continuing to impact families, demand remains high well into the new year.

To provide just two cans of food per person, ALIVE! needs 40,000 cans.

That’s where The Zebra — and you — come in.

This weekend, The Zebra is hosting a community food drive called “Fill the Truck”, collecting nonperishable food at two local farmers markets.

🛻 Del Ray Farmers Market

Pat Miller Square
Saturday, February 21
6:00 a.m. to Noon

🛻 Old Town North Sunday Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market

Montgomery Park, 901 North Royal Street
Sunday, February 22
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Look for the silver truck and drop off canned goods and other nonperishable food items. Every donation goes directly to ALIVE! to support local families.

While the holidays often spark a surge in giving, the quieter months can be just as challenging for food banks. Families facing job loss or reduced hours are still working to make ends meet — and food insecurity doesn’t take a season off.

“Alexandria is incredibly generous,” said Zebra Publisher Mary Wadland. “We saw it during the holidays. Now we’re asking our readers and market shoppers to help again — even a few cans make a difference.”

Suggested donations include:

• Canned vegetables
• Canned beans
• Canned fruit
• Pasta and rice
• Shelf-stable milk
• Peanut butter
• Cereal
• Soups and stews

If you’re heading to the farmers market this weekend, toss a few extra items into your bag before you leave home — or pick up a few shelf-stable goods on your way.

Let’s show once again that Alexandria’s generosity isn’t seasonal.

Help us Fill the Truck for ALIVE!