Zebra Commits to Twice-Monthly “Fill the Truck” Food Collections for Alexandria Nonprofits
Community effort led by Pat Miller will collect donations year-round at Del Ray and Old Town North farmers markets
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Zebra Press is making a long-term commitment to helping Alexandria nonprofits fight food insecurity through a new twice-monthly community initiative called “Fill the Truck.”
The ongoing donation drive, organized in partnership with longtime Alexandria community advocate Pat Miller, will collect nonperishable food donations at two Alexandria farmers markets each month using Miller’s personal silver pickup truck as the collection vehicle.
Since launching in February, the “Fill the Truck” initiative has already collected more than 2,500 pounds of food from generous Alexandria residents. That’s enough food to fill Pat Miller’s silver pickup truck again and again — thousands of cans, boxes, and bags destined for local families who need a helping hand.
The recurring collections will take place:
- on the second Saturday of every month at the Del Ray Farmers Market
- and on the last Sunday of every month at the Old Town North Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market
The effort will primarily support ALIVE! along with other Alexandria nonprofits serving residents and families in need.
According to organizers, ALIVE! serves more than 20,000 individuals each month. Providing just two cans of food per person requires roughly 40,000 canned goods monthly — a need organizers say continues to grow.
“Zebra has always believed that local journalism should also strengthen the community we serve,” said Mary Wadland, publisher of The Zebra Press. “This is a simple but meaningful way for our readers to help neighbors facing food insecurity while supporting the nonprofits working tirelessly behind the scenes every single day.”
Pat Miller, well known throughout Alexandria for her decades of civic involvement and neighborhood advocacy, said the idea grew out of a desire to create an easy, highly visible way for residents to contribute while already shopping locally.
“People want to help — sometimes they just need an easy opportunity to do it,” Miller said. “If everyone visiting the farmers market brings just a few items, together we can make a tremendous difference for Alexandria families.”
Residents are encouraged to simply bring donations and place them directly into Miller’s silver pickup truck during market hours.
Suggested donations include:
- canned vegetables
- canned fruit
- soup
- peanut butter
- pasta
- rice
- cereal
- shelf-stable milk
- boxed meals and other nonperishable foods
Organizers say the initiative is designed to become a regular community tradition — one that combines Alexandria’s popular neighborhood markets with direct support for local hunger-relief efforts.
Monthly Collection Schedule
Del Ray Farmers Market
Pat Miller Square
Second Saturday of every month
6 a.m. to Noon
Old Town North Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market
Montgomery Park
Last Sunday of every month
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Look for the silver pickup truck and help Zebra “Fill the Truck” for Alexandria nonprofits.
