Vienna Presbyterian Church Coordinates Massive Food Distributions

VIENNA, VA — Vienna Presbyterian Church doesn't look like it normally would. The physical building isn't being used for services and looks more like a food warehouse. That speaks to the way the church has stepped up to help families facing food insecurity during the pandemic.

Since August, Vienna Presbyterian Church became a federal CARES Act partner, which means it distributes food from the federal government to individuals meeting income requirements, according to director of Missions Sue Hamblen. Distributions take place every third Saturday of the month in the church parking lot. In addition, satellite sites are held at Marshall Road Elementary and Idylwood apartments in partnership with Belong! and other local churches like Vienna Baptist Church, Newsong Church, Grace Community Church, and The Orchard Church.

"We really do want this to be something other small churches would consider," said Hamblen.

Vienna Presbyterian Church's food distributions typically serve around 450 families each month. Food paid by the federal government comes from a warehouse, feeding around 180 families. Food donations from churches make up for the rest.

Every food box or bag comes with a handwritten note of encouragement, sometimes with drawings by children, as well a special gift each month. It's just a small token to let the families know that people care.

The entire effort to coordinate the monthly distribution in the church parking lots and distributions at satellite sites takes close to 200 volunteers each month, Hamblen said. Every third Friday before the distributions, volunteers go to the Food for Others warehouse to pick up, then volunteers largely from the youth group pack boxes of food to be ready for Saturday morning.

Once Saturday arrives, Hamblen says people are lined up even an hour before the drive-thru distribution starts. She said there have been a lot of repeat recipients and knows the need is increasing.

"I think the need was there anyway and it was exacerbated by Covid," she said.

Because the church's effort is being carried out as a CARES Act partner, there is income criteria for families to be eligible for the food distribution. Communications with families are coordinated with the schools, which know families who qualify for free and reduced price lunch. The church signed an 18-month commitment to being a CARES Act partner, so it will continue the monthly drive-thru events through January 2022. The next distribution is Dec. 19.

"It's been awesome to see the response of the congregation but it's also been humbling to see the families come through," said Hamblen.

Aside from this food distribution program, Vienna Presbyterian Church is involved with Fairfax County's hypothermia shelter program. Because churches are closed or limited in capacity, the county is using larger sites this season where individuals have room for social distancing. Vienna Presbyterian is still involved by providing meals on its designated week. The church is providing 50 breakfasts and 50 lunches this week and 50 dinners next week, as well as other meals during the week of Dec. 27 to Jan. 3. The breakfast and lunches are created with grocery store items, and the dinners come from participating local restaurants.

Nevertheless, church members miss engaging with the hypothermia program in person. Volunteers would often come and interact with guests while they receive their meals.

"We really miss that. I can't tell you how many members have embraced [the] hypothermia [program.]. We've met some incredible people over the years."

Residents can check for Vienna Presbyterian Church's volunteer opportunities on its missions web page.

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.