In 2025, 36% of households—or 1.5 million people—in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) reported experiencing food insecurity within the past year. Food insecurity, defined as limited or uncertain access to nutritious food, can have a significant impact on one's mental and physical health, including an increased risk of obesity and chronic disease, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
Addressing food insecurity requires collaboration at every level, from the individuals growing fresh produce to organizations distributing it to the community.
On Wednesday, October 8, the Fairfax Food Council and the Emergency Food Strategy Team, which is led by the Food Access Program, hosted a meeting between fresh food producers and emergency food distributors. Representatives from 25 organizations across the DMV are gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center to discuss opportunities and challenges involved in receiving, storing, and distributing fresh food donations. Attendees also brainstormed practical solutions to improve collaboration, sharing what each could offer and how they could fill gaps in the food system. "This joint meeting fostered an insightful exchange between fresh food producers and emergency food providers. It surfaced real challenges and generated actionable solutions that will strengthen our local food system, from transportation and storage to donor education and community engagement," said Elisa Solomon, community health specialist with the Fairfax Food Council.
This meeting aimed to strengthen partnerships and find ways to make fresh food at food pantries more accessible to the community. "This marked an important step toward stronger coordination between fresh food producers and emergency food providers, with the potential to reshape how food reaches our communities," said Elisa. "This is just the beginning. We're excited to build on this momentum and welcome partners from across the food system to help turn shared insights into action and lasting change."
The Fairfax Food Council currently partners with 75 community organizations across Fairfax County and its surrounding areas. Learn more about the Fairfax Food Council and how you can get involved.
Subscribe to the Food Council newsletter (found under the Health and Human Services section) to receive updates about food access and literacy, donation opportunities, urban gardening and activities and resources from around Fairfax County.