Lifting Spirits through the Power of Community

Food For Neighbors (FFN) celebrates the positive impact made by Trinity Presbyterian Church in Herndon, VA. In addition to making financial contributions to FFN over the past several years, the local congregation generously provided FFN a home base when the nonprofit had to develop new food distribution procedures quickly as a result of the pandemic. This allowed FFN to continue its important work of fighting teen food insecurity without missing a beat.

“If Trinity hadn’t opened its doors to us, I don’t know what we would have done,” explained Karen Joseph, cofounder of Food For Neighbors. “Trinity leaders and members did so graciously and enthusiastically, and they started making a difference from the very moment schools closed in-person instruction.” Joseph continued, “We basically took over the church’s Fellowship Hall, which served as a home base for collecting, sorting, packing, storing, and distributing thousands of pounds of food. I cannot thank Trinity enough.”

Ms. Joseph presented Trinity’s copastors, Rev. Stephen Smith-Cobbs and Rev. Rebecca Messman, as well as Trinity’s Service and Mission Team Leader, Sonia Patterson, with a plaque celebrating the partnership. While Food For Neighbors (FFN) is transitioning food storage and distribution back to the schools, Trinity will continue to serve as one of five hosts of the Red Bag Program food collection events. During the most recent one, FFN collected over 21,000 pounds of food from over 1,200 households.

Rev. Smith-Cobbs, Rev. Messman, and Ms. Patterson enjoyed meeting with Ms. Joseph and hearing her story. They greatly appreciate the importance of the history and mission of Food For Neighbors (FFN) as well as the power of mobilizing community members to make a difference. They look forward to Trinity’s continued partnership with FFN.

Ms. Patterson, CEO/Founder of Impact Wisdom LLC and former CEO of two global nonprofits, shared that she was inspired by Ms. Joseph’s creative spirit, unrelenting passion, and willingness to ask others for help. She thanks Ms. Joseph and the many community members committed to making a difference through Food For Neighbors. “The donated food, the tremendous organizational lift, and the love that went into the entire distribution process all combined to minister in ways that not only filled hungry stomachs but also filled hearts with hope and gratitude on a deeper, spiritual level.”

Food For Neighbors (FFN) currently serves students in 23 schools in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. FFN welcomes partnerships with local businesses and organizations who want to make a difference by providing monetary gifts as well as donations of food, hygiene products, and volunteer time. To learn more about becoming a partner, visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/partners/ or phone Renee Maxwell at (703) 475-4933.