This month, the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) will transition ownership of its Plot Against Hunger program to the Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA). Since its inception in 2007, over 600,000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to AFAC through the Plot Against Hunger program.
Due to the pandemic, AFAC saw a significant increase in the number of clients needing food assistance and had to shift resources to focus on its core mission of providing free groceries to Arlington families in need. An ad hoc Plot Against Hunger steering committee was formed and, with assistance of FOUA, oversaw a successful gardening season, which distributed over 6,000 pounds of donated produce to food pantries in the area. Discussions between AFAC and FOUA led to an agreement to transition the Plot Against Hunger program. This will allow the program to continue its purpose and to grow.
“AFAC is grateful to have sponsored and grown the Plot Against Hunger program for so many years, and for the many thousands of pounds of fresh produce provided to our families, thanks to a large network of gardens and dedicated volunteers,” said Charlie Meng, AFAC’s Executive Director & CEO. “I look forward to continuing our support as the program finds a new home with Friends of Urban Agriculture.”
“We’re excited about this transition. Now, AFAC can concentrate on food distribution and Friends of Urban Agriculture can concentrate on food production,” said Robin Broder, President of FOUA. “We plan to continue all aspects of the Plot Against Hunger program, especially supporting the gardens with connections to local food pantries, educational opportunities, technical assistance, supplies, and volunteers.”
The Plot Against Hunger program will be a collaborative effort managed by FOUA that includes Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension, Marymount University, Master Gardeners, Master Food Volunteers, food pantries, and individual gardens and gardeners.
Save the date: March 13 – 20 — The Plot Against Hunger Spring Garden Kickoff, a combination of online events and outdoor workshops.
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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.
Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture’s mission is to build a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector that provides a fair, healthy, sustainable food system for all Arlingtonians.
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