|
Executive Director's Update
May 2024
| |
During the month of April, we were once again able to connect more than 700 unduplicated families with groceries at our Centreville and Chantilly Client Choice Food Pantries. As the cost of housing, rent, and food has risen, Johanna is one of more than 3,800* individuals who has selected groceries from WFCM's client choice food pantries this fiscal year.
Johanna and her husband both work to support themselves and their child in middle school. They are unable to afford a car, so WFCM's newer location in Centreville has been especially beneficial to them. Johanna walks to the pantry to pick up groceries, and we were able to assist her family with rent in January during that particularly challenging month for them. "I am very grateful for the help," Johanna shared with our staff.
We are thankful for all of the partnerships that make it possible for WFCM to connect Johanna, and nearly 1,300* neighboring households so far, this fiscal year, with the ingredients they want and need to prepare healthy meals for their families. This work takes many caring connections who volunteer, donate funds, donate food, and bridge the gap for our neighbors. In April, leaders from Korean Central Presbyterian Church, came to see our Chantilly Client Choice Food Pantry and made a $10,000 donation to help further the work we are doing together to serve community members. We are thankful to KCPC, and all of you who choose to partner with WFCM.
Last month, I received a question about the meaning of "unduplicated families" in our April newsletter and I wanted to share what this means and the reason we include this specification. Serving 700 unduplicated families means that we served 700 different families throughout the month. Our standard practice is to provide groceries once per month and our clients tell us the groceries they select in our client choice food pantries provide 14 days of meals. Some families may need to come for food more than once, but we do not duplicate our numbers. Our goal is to share the true need in our community and what WFCM is able to do to help serve those in need with your support.
Some organizations serve in different ways than WFCM and may serve 200 families per week providing 3 days of food each week for a total of 12 days of food per month for these 200 families. However, since the families were served 4 times, they may share this as serving 800 families versus 200 families being served 4 times. We want to share and clarify the way we are sharing information with you and hence use the word "unduplicated" or "unique". If you ever have questions about our newsletter or our services, please email me at info@wfcmva.org.
God bless,
Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director
*These numbers also reflect unduplicated/unique individuals served. Many have been served more than once as clients can use the food pantry every 30 days, however this represents each family/individual served 1+ time this fiscal year since July.
| |
|
May 2024 Service Update
We were able to serve 48% more families in need at our client choice food pantries in April 2024 compared to April 2023. March 2023 is when the SNAP emergency allotments ended (benefits offered for three years during the pandemic) and the number of families using our services rose as compared to prior months. In comparison, we served 419 families in our food pantry in April 2022 and 423 in April 2021.
Two hundred and eight (208) families were served at our Centreville Client Choice Food Pantry. Forty-one (41) families used our food pantries for the first time in April.
Thank you for your partnership that is making it possible for us to connect
with more families who are in need of our services.
In Fiscal Year 2024, you will notice that the number of bags of food per family is lower, or not as high as anticipated based on the families served and food provided. That is because we are using larger reusable bags or boxes that hold more food. Each bag holds an average of 21 lbs. of food versus 16 lbs. in the past. Therefore, the total pounds of food distributed is higher while the number of bags per family is lower.
| |
|
What's New in the Food Pantry and Client Services with Pamela Montesinos
Director of Client Operations & Programs
| |
|
The month of April included celebrations of Earth Day and National Volunteer Appreciation Week, as well as Stuff the Bus - all as we were able to connect with and serve more than 700 families in our client choice food pantries. We were also happy meet with 10 Social Workers from the local FCPS schools we partner with to discuss needs and solutions, and to connect 21 schools in Centreville, Chantilly, and Westfield with local congregations who will provide all 1,560 backpacks needed by their students next school year, as well as meet some supplemental needs for clothing and supplies. We are thankful to work with so many great partners and to help coordinate to meet the needs in our community. | |
|
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Fairfax County Stuff the Bus food collection on April 20th! WFCM received 977.60 lbs. of food and toiletries to help re-stock our shelves.
During the summer months, starting in May, the food needs are higher, and donations are lower. Many 10-month employees struggle to pay bills during this time of year.
Our warehouse has many empty crates right now. Please consider a food or toiletry drive during the months of May - August to help keep shelves stocked with the most needed food and toiletry items. We provide many food and toiletry items based on the number of individuals in the family. This means that we need 2,400 of each of many of the items, and 700+ of the family size items, each month.
Every donation helps!
| |
|
On Earth Day, Monday April 22nd, and for the remainder of the month, we offered plant and vegetable seeds to clients using our client choice food pantries.
April 21-27 was National Volunteer Appreciation Week. WFCM's Volunteer Coordinator planned a week of treats and special ways to recognize and appreciate the 110 dedicated volunteers who serve at WFCM each week. On Wednesday April 24th, we recognized the 40 volunteers who served for 100+ hours in calendar-year 2023, including 5 who served for 250+ hours! Each earned the President's Volunteer Service Award.
| |
|
Most needed items in the food pantry this month:
- Hot Cereal (Oatmeal, Grits)
- Sugar (1 or 2 lb. bags)
- Red Beans (low salt preferred)
- Black Beans (low salt preferred)
- Canned Pasta
- Pasta Sauce
- Flavored Pasta (Pasta Helpers)
- Risotto
- Flavored Rice (Rice A Roni)
- Canned Tomatoes (stewed, crushed, diced, paste)
- Canned Mixed Vegetables (low salt preferred)
- Pancake Mix
- Individual Juice Boxes (100% fruit juice preferred)
- Coffee (ground, no k-cups)
- Family Sized Snacks (pretzels, crackers, etc.)
-
Toiletries: body lotion, body wash, toothpaste, hair shampoo, hair conditioner, toilet paper, and lotion (NOTE: we are not currently in need of diapers size 0-5 due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate larger size pull ups size 4T/5T for toddlers, size 6 diapers, or baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.)
As a reminder, we accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511
Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.
| |
|
Community Connections
with Diane Beatley
Sr. Manager, Community Engagement
| | |
|
Thank you to the team at First Column IT for renewing their annual support and for supporting the WFCM golf tournament in addition to keeping WFCM’s technology running smoothly. As a managed IT services provider, the dedicated team at First Column IT focuses on furnishing complete technology solutions throughout the Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland area. They construct advanced cybersecurity, managed IT support, IT consulting, and compliance management solutions for those who depend on technology to provide exceptional service to their clients. Learn more at firstcolumn.com. | | |
|
Double the Impact of Your Donation
during our Spring Fundraising Campaign
| |
|
Thank you to all of you who have supported WFCM during the start of our spring fundraiser. You have generously donated $70,000 toward our goal of $100,000! If you have not yet donated, please consider making a donation this month. Your donation will support more than 1,500 families that we have already served this fiscal year, and continue to serve, as well as help us reach more families who need our support. Together, we can achieve our goal of $100,000 to serve these families! We can only reach this goal with YOUR help.
Your gift, during the spring fundraiser, is being matched dollar for dollar up to $37,000 by a family in Centreville who wants to ensure their neighbors have access to fresh, healthy food and in recognition of WFCM’s 37 years of service in the community.
Donate securely online one time at wfcmva.org/donate and select Spring Appeal 2024 or set up monthly online donations to have an even greater impact! Checks to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries may be mailed to P.O. Box 220802, Chantilly, VA 20153. Thank you!
| |
Sixth Annual Spring into Action Golf Tournament
Thank you to the generous sponsors and golfers who are registered to participate in the sixth annual "Spring into Action" Golf Tournament on Monday, May 13, 2024.
| |
|
Save the Date for the 2024 Fall Fundraiser!
Please mark your calendar and plan to attend WFCM's 17th Annual Fall Fundraiser on Sunday evening, October 20, 2024, at Chantilly National Golf and Country Club. Registration will open in July.
| | | | |
