On Sept. 1, 2022, Fairfax County proclaimed September as Hunger Action Month, a time to stand against hunger. The proclamation was signed by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay, Mason District Supervisor Penelope Gross, Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, and Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith.

Kathy Smith read the proclamation on September 24 at the Western Fairfax Christian Ministries Client Fair, which served more than 75 families experiencing food insecurity. The proclamation highlights these sobering facts about food insecurity:

• The Capital Area Food Bank estimates that 81,900 residents in Fairfax County face severe food insecurity, with close to 60,000 children qualifying for free and reduced-price meals in Fairfax County Public Schools
• Food insecurity affects our most vulnerable populations, with a monthly caseload of more than 13,000 in the Women, Infants and Children Program; more than 1,200 people served through Meals on Wheels and over 50,000 SNAP recipients in Fairfax County.

To combat food insecurity, and specifically in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, members of the Fairfax Food Council, Fairfax County Public Schools, county government agencies and a network of over 100 nonprofit and faith communities came together as the Emergency Food Strategy Team.

The Food Access Program has aided food providers and communities across Fairfax County in recovering from the pandemic, dispersing $3.5 million in grants to support direct food assistance, innovative delivery models and infrastructure.

Fairfax County offers online resources with information on taking action against hunger, how to help and how to receive help. Visit the Fairfax Food Council website for more information.