In 2020 over 38 million Americans lived in households that struggled against food insecurity, or lack of access to an affordable, nutritious diet, according to the USDA. Additionally, 1 in 25 U.S. households experienced a more severe form of food insecurity where households report regularly skipping meals or reducing intake. In honor of National Hunger Awareness Month in June, the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services wants to highlight our Coordinated Services Planning program, which connects Fairfax County residents to county- and community-based services and resources that promote self-sufficiency and enhance well-being. Specialists operate in a call-center environment and are ready to help you through an assessment to identify the needs you have and link you to resources for which you are eligible. Whether it’s providing basic county information or assistance for more emergent needs – such as emergency food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, employment, financial assistance and other essential needs – our specialists are ready to help you find solutions to fit your circumstances. CSP may be reached at 703-222-0880, TTY 711 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Our multilingual staff can assist callers in Amharic, Dari, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) French Creole (English and French Haiti), Farsi, Hindi, Italian, Kannada, Korean, Pashto, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Tigrinya, and Urdu. CSP services are also available in other languages through the use of an interpreter. Residents may also consult the Human Services Resource Guide for food assistance. This online searchable database (guide) provides detailed program and service descriptions, eligibility requirements, locations, and contact information. Additionally, the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479 or 1-877-842-6273 (in Spanish) staff can help you find food near your home.  If you’re interested in helping to fight hunger in Fairfax County, consider donating food at our next Stuff the Bus event. Stuff the Bus began in 2011 in response to a critical need to help restock the shelves of local food pantries after the holidays. Now in its 10th year, Stuff the Bus continues to support food assistance efforts for families and households. Since inception, Stuff the Bus has collected over 220 tons of food to feed hungry people in Fairfax County.

Fairfax County is one of four Northern Virginia jurisdictions and one non-profit organization which have partnered to offer weekly virtual programming for older adults and adults with disabilities. Arlington County, Fairfax County, Prince William County, the Town of Vienna, and ServiceSource Inc. host live virtual programming on Zoom five days a week. The events range from fitness classes to special presentations to interactive games. This resource is free and all older adults and adults with disabilities who live in Northern Virginia are welcome to use it. This resource is a continuation of the Fairfax County’s Virtual Center for Active Adults, which was created by the Department of Neighborhood & Community Services when Senior Centers closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though Senior Centers have since re-opened, there is still a need for virtual programming, especially for older adults and adults with disabilities who may live in isolation. To learn more about the Virtual Center for Active Adults and join the activities, please visit bit.ly/NCSvcaa.