Fairfax Food Council (FFC) was established by the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax in 2015 with a vision of an equitable and sustainable food system where food is valued as a basic human right. Its mission is to advocate for an equitable local food system that produces and provides access to nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone.
On this page
News and Events
Food Resources
About the Food Council
News and Events
Food Facility Expands, Providing Customer Support with Care and Dignity
Food for Others, a regional food bank and member of the Fairfax Food Council, held a grand opening of its Merrifield 10,000 square foot addition to its public-facing market on Thursday, February 9. Read more and watch this video to learn more about this expansion.
Changes to SNAP Benefits
Beginning in March, all SNAP benefits will return to normal amounts, without the added supplement provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about these changes.
Winter 2023 Community Food News
The winter edition of the Community Food News is now available. This month features Food Council Leadership updates, community stories, and events and opportunities you won't want to miss. Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter by emailing FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov. See past issues below.
Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax Spring 2022 Meeting
May 12, 2022: This year's theme was Food Equity: Lifting the Community Voice. Community voice is a foundational part of striving towards equity – in our food system and throughout all parts of our community.
The program also included presentation of the Live Healthy Fairfax Awards program, established this year, which recognized three community members who’s commitment to health and wellness initiatives went “above and beyond” in the areas of Behavioral Health, Healthy Eating, and Healthy Environment and Active Living. Congratulations to Healthy Eating/Fairfax Food Council awardee, Cory Suter! Read more about this.
Community Food News
Read the newsletter from the Fairfax Food Council updates about urban gardening, food access, and food literacy activities and resources from around Fairfax County. To subscribe, please email FairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Past Issues
Fall 2022 | Summer 2022 | Spring 2022 | Winter 2022 | Fall 2021 | Summer 2021 | Spring 2021 | Winter 2020 | Summer 2020 | Fall 2020
Watch our Videos
Tips for Healthy Eating From Food Council Youth Rep
2021 Fairfax Food Summit Highlights | Watch the full recording
Growing Food in Zone7 | Cultivo de Alimentos en la Zona 7
Composting at Home | Compostaje en Casa
Fairfax Food Council COVID-19 Response
¿Qué significa "inseguridad alimentaria", es un problema en el condado de Fairfax?
Edible Plants for your Landscape & Front Yard by Brie Arthur
Fight Hunger in Fairfax County
Fairfax County Food Resources
Search the Human Services Resource Guide for food resources.
Care to Share
Support food insecurity initiatives and learn how to start a food waste rescue program at Fairfax schools.
Learn more: Care to Share Toolkit Helps Address Food Insecurity.
Farmers Markets
Fairfax County operates 10 farmers markets across Fairfax County under the Fairfax County Park Authority. By providing access to locally grown foods, our farmers market program strives to improve the health of Fairfax County citizens, support local food producers and protect the environment.
Visit the Farmers Market page to find locations and schedules.
SNAP
Four Fairfax County Farmers Markets offer a SNAP Matching Program where you can double your SNAP Benefits. See SNAP at Fairfax County Farmers Markets Makes Buying Local Accessible. Learn more about changes to SNAP beginning in March 2023.
Learn more about SNAP at Fairfax County Farmers Markets.
See the flyer: English | Arabic | Chinese | Korean | Russian | Spanish
About the Food Council
Work Groups
Food Access & Literacy Work Group
The Food Access & Literacy Work Group works collaboratively to develop innovative initiatives to increase the number of healthy food access points in the Fairfax community in the areas of highest need. The work group also facilitates collaborative initiatives to develop food literacy and nutrition education programming that is available and delivered through a variety of avenues.
Urban Agriculture Work Group
The Urban Agriculture Work Group supports food production at community settings and on public and private property to improve the environmental, economic and human health of Fairfax County. The vision of the work group is a healthy, beautiful and equitable Fairfax County where fresh food is grown within walking distance of every kitchen.
Steering Committee
Community Food Assessment
The 2015 Community Food Assessment looks at the current status of access to healthy food. Information gathered is being used to develop and implement activities to promote increased accessibility and affordability of food in our community.
Connect to a Fairfax Food Council Meeting
Working Group and Steering Committee meetings are open to the public. All meetings are virtual until further notice (unless otherwise noted). Please email HDFairfaxFoodCouncil@fairfaxcounty.gov to RSVP for an upcoming meeting or for more information.
2023 Meetings
Urban Agriculture Work Group Meetings
New time: All meetings scheduled 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
January 9
February 13
March 20
April 17
May 15
June 12
Food Access & Literacy Work Group Meetings
All meetings scheduled 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
January 25
February 22
March 29
April 26
May 31
June 28
Fairfax Food Council Steering Committee Meetings
All meetings scheduled 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
January 26
April 27