On World Kindness Day, Close The Meal Gap In Fairfax County

We’ve probably never needed World Kindness Day, which is observed Friday, more in Fairfax County than we do in 2020. It’s been tough on multiple levels, from the inconvenience caused by coronavirus social distancing to real economic hurt among some of your neighbors who lie awake at night worrying about how they’re going to feed themselves and their families.

They could use our help on World Kindness Day and in the months to come. It’s as simple as supporting Feeding America, the largest hunger-relief organization in the country, which estimates food insecurity could swell to 50 million Americans before 2020 is over.

Feeding America serves 200 member food banks that serve and supply 60,000 food pantries, kitchens and meal programs in Fairfax County and elsewhere around the country. The Capital Area Food Bank in DC is the Feeding America-affiliated food bank serving the greater DC region. It has a network of over 450 partners such as faith-based organizations, food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, senior programs, daycare centers, and other nonprofits providing food.

Food insecurity isn’t a new problem in Fairfax County. Before the pandemic threw millions of Americans into unemployment, 5.4 percent of residents were considered food insecure in 2018. The continuing economic fallout from the health pandemic has swollen that projected number to 8.4 percent who are on the brink of hunger.

SEE ALSO: Governor Allocates Funding For Food Banks To Address Food Needs

You can help through food drives or by adopting a local family. But to spread your donation further, consider making a tax-deductible donation to Feeding America. With its power to buy groceries in bulk, Feeding America can provide 10 meals for every $1 donated.

How To Help

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.