Help feed Fairfax County families in need without leaving the house. This year, giving has never been easier as the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus campaign has gone virtual. From Nov. 1-30, 2023, individuals and community groups can make monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County.

This is the 12th year that Fairfax County Government has partnered with local non-profits. In previous years, the campaign has centered around people placing physical donations of shelf-stable foods directly inside FasTran buses parked outside grocery stores or libraries – literally stuffing the bus with goods. While that will still be offered for the Winter 2024 Stuff the Bus campaign, the virtual food drive will help prepare Fairfax County’s non-profit food access partners for the busy holiday season.

Information on the community partners and the virtual drive is available at Stuff the Bus Virtual Food Drive.

The campaign coincides with Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week in Fairfax County. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors designated Nov.11-18, 2023 (the week before Thanksgiving), as Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness in Fairfax County. 

The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2023 Hunger Report reveals multiple and compounding factors that have driven food insecurity to remain at staggeringly high levels. Inequitable economic recovery from the pandemic, inflation, and the end of many federal benefit programs make it difficult for families to put food on the table. According to the Capital Area Food Bank Survey, it’s estimated that 24% of Fairfax County residents are food insecure.

“We are thrilled that the Fall Stuff the Bus campaign will feature virtual donations because it opens up the opportunity to give to so many folks who might not be able to make it out to one of our buses for an in-person campaign,” said Ramona Carroll, the Equity Program Manager for the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.

‘In addition to convenience for the donors, it helps the non-profits receiving the contributions because they can use the funds to purchase fresh and culturally-appropriate foods for the neighborhoods they serve.”

The virtual Stuff the Bus campaign runs through Nov. 30.  The in-person Stuff the Bus campaign returns to grocery stores and community locations in Jan. 2024. For more information, visit  Stuff the Bus.