Mission Statement
Our mission is to feed our neighbors in need by providing dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries.
About AFAC
Since 1988, the Arlington Food Assistance Center remains dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington, VA, who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.
While hunger might not seem to be an issue in a wealthy county like Arlington, the high cost of living here combined with the current economic situation causes many families struggle to make ends meet. Supplemental groceries from AFAC mean that families can remain in their homes, workers can stay on the job, children are ready to learn, and mothers and babies have the nutrition they need. We help relieve the food budgets of our clients, thereby allowing them to make other necessary purchases without sacrificing their health and nutrition needs.
What We Serve
AFAC operates under the Choice Model, which means that clients can select foods that meet their dietary and cultural needs. The Choice Model has been proven to reduce waste as families are more likely to eat the foods that they choose to take home and know how to prepare. Families can choose their favorite fresh fruits and vegetables with even more variety during the growing season as AFAC's shelves are replenished by Farmers Markets and local gardens. Families are able to make choices between meats and from a selection of breads and canned goods. AFAC buys meats, milk, eggs and other fresh items so that families can get the nutrition they need every week. AFAC is committed to distributing as much nutritious food as possible.