Partnering with local schools makes a difference in the lives of food-insecure children |
Now that Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) are in full swing we wanted to share a little about how we partner on impactful programs! Did you know that we work with local schools to collect unused, unopened food that would otherwise be thrown away in their cafeterias? During the 2024-2025 school year, we recovered 19,266 pounds of food from 12 participating schools. School kids actively participate in preventing waste and “rescuing” food to help their neighbors in need. And, we quickly distribute those foods like yogurt, carrots, bagels, fruit cups, milk, juice, and other fresh produce to our guests. A “win-win” for all! |
|
|
We also work with family liaisons at local schools to identify food-insecure children, and through our Backpack Buddies program, provide weekend food to over 300 students in need. Bags include fruit cups, mac and cheese, breakfast items, canned entrees, shelf-stable milk, and more–foods that are nutritious and easy for kids to prepare. |
|
|
To show our gratitude, we recently hosted a “Back to School” breakfast for the family liaisons who do so much for our students. Many thanks to them and to all the volunteers who support our school partnerships! |
“Thank you so much for the food. The student and her brother have received them and will take them home today. Thank you again for making such a difference in their lives. Your generosity does not go unnoticed.” ~ Family Liaison, Briar Woods High School |
|
|
CURRENT EVENTS AND LATEST UPDATES |
|
|
| September is…Hunger Action Month! And, orange is the color of hunger awareness. For the remainder of September consider taking action by donating orange foods to the Pantry! Think carrots, oranges, clementines, mandarin oranges, peaches, yams, sweet potatoes, canned salmon, goldfish crackers, or orange jello. |
|
|
| We have a fresh, new look! Our website has been redesigned and clearly reflects our mission to serve our guests and donors. Online visitors can request help right from the home page or easily find information about donating and volunteering. Thank you, Moore Marketing Solutions, LLC/Lisa Kohrnak, a local South Riding resident, for our new look. We love it! |
|
|
| Thank you Starbucks! We are grateful for our local South Riding Starbucks for nominating us for the Starbucks Foundation Neighborhood Grant. It means so much to us to have the support of local businesses. |
|
|
| Our staff and volunteers had a lovely evening at Stone Tower Winery at the annual Loudoun Empty Bowls event. It was a record year as Loudoun Empty Bowls raised around $95,000 to help fight food insecurity in our community. Proceeds will be shared among the Pantry, Loudoun Hunger Relief, and LAWS. |
|
|
Thank you to our supporters who attended the event. We loved seeing you there! |
|
|
| A Simple Gesture is a simple, yet powerful way to help us restock our shelves and feed our neighbors in need. For your convenience, we pick up your donation right from your door. Our final pickup for the year for those who’ve registered is Sept 27th. We will resume A Simple Gesture in February 2026. Learn more here and stay tuned! |
|
|
Join us at Wine Down for a Cause on Thursday, October 9th, 4-7 PM, at the Willowsford Farm Stand to support the new Willowsford Farm Produce Fund for the Pantry. This partnership ensures families in need receive fresh, local produce, building on the Farm’s donation of over 30,000 pounds of vegetables and eggs since 2021. At the event, enjoy tastings from eight Virginia wineries, live music, and food, all benefiting our local families. |
|
|
- Rice
- Cereal
- Spaghetti
- Pasta sauce
- Snacks
|
|
|
Shop to Make a Difference! |
|
|
Got Bags? We can use your extra paper, plastic, or reusable grocery bags for our Food Distributions. Please donate your clean, flattened bags at the Pantry during our regular donation hours. |
|
|
Your support helps us get guests back on their feet! |
|
|
| “They [DSFP] are so kind and have always welcomed me with so much love. God bless them for blessing me and my family.” ~ recent Pantry guest |
|
|
However you give, whether it is time, money, or food, you make a difference in the lives of our guests. Thank you for your contributions last month! |
|
|
3,384 lbs of food collected |
A big thank you goes to the following groups for their food drive efforts! |
Arcola United Methodist Church Burn Boot Camp – South Riding Corpus Christi Catholic Church Girl Scout Troop 70176 Hutchison Farm Elementary School Independence Excavating, Inc. Lansdowne Community National Charity League Samson Properties Toskey Bros Tutoring TPG Pediatrics Vine and Branches Lutheran Church Woven Solutions |
|
|
| Have you heard of a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)? Similar to a 401(k) or Health Savings Account (HSA), a DAF is a tax-advantaged charitable giving account. Anyone can open one: individuals, couples, families, or even companies. You contribute cash, stock, or other assets, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then recommend grants to nonprofits you care about, like ours, over time. DAF Day is October 9th–a national day celebrating community giving through donor-advised funds. If you already have a DAF, please consider supporting the Pantry. Interested in setting one up? Learn more here. |
|
|
| We Miss You! If you are a trained volunteer and do not have an account in our new volunteer management system, Bloomerang, please email us at volunteer@dsfp.org. We can help you set up your new account access so you can sign up for upcoming volunteer shifts at the Pantry. |
|
|
| Did you know the Pantry offers Birthday Bags to children 12 and under? You can pack birthday items, such as a cake mix, frosting, candles, sprinkles, paper plates, and napkins in a gift bag. Host a packing party or donation drive to make some Birthday Bags and help us bring a light of happiness and celebration to our youngest guests! Sign up here. |
|
|
From individuals, families, and kids, to service groups, faith supporters, and local businesses, our generous community exemplifies our mission: #NeighborsFeedingNeighbors. |
|
|
| A special shout-out goes to the Corej family from South Riding for coordinating a community herb collection for our guests! Over the spring and summer, they grew and collected herbs from neighbors and donated them every two weeks. It was such a treat for our guests to receive fresh, delicious herbs, all conveniently bagged and labeled and ready to use. |
|
|
Thank you to the National Charity League Virginia Orchard Class of 2030 for packing and donating 75 Basic Bags for our guests! Learn more about how your group can make an impact by packing meal kits here. |
|
|
| We are so thankful for Independence Excavating for planning company activities that support the Pantry. They helped us kick off the school year by donating 250 Backpack Buddies bags, totaling 837 lbs of weekend food for local food-insecure students! |
|
|
Food Distributions at the Pantry Tuesdays & Wednesdays By Appointment Only Phone: 703-507-2795 Email: appointments@dsfp.org Food Donations at the Pantry Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 10:00am – 11:30am Community Donation Locations Brambleton Association Stone Ridge Association Dulles South Recreation & Community Center South Riding Giant South Riding Town Hall |
| |
|
*{{Organization Name}}*
*{{Organization Address}}*
*{{Organization Phone}}*
*{{Organization Website}}*
|
| |
|
You are being sent this email because you are a subscriber.
If you wish to update your Email Preferences or Unsubscribe, click *{{Unsubscribe}}* |
|
|
|
