Fairfax-area volunteers, county partners distribute food to about 500 families during school break

At Western Fairfax Christian Ministries’ parking lot, organizers announced a food distribution that will supply about 500 families with groceries to help cover meals while children are out of school. "We are going to be handing out food to about 500 families," Speaker 2 said.

Organizers said the distribution is timed to address a gap when school breakfast and lunch programs are not operating. "It's really important for us to do this, especially this time of year. The kids are gonna be out of school, and we wanna provide families with food that they'll be able to have for their families," Speaker 2 said, explaining the program's purpose during the two-week school break.

Speaker 1 described local partnerships that supported the event. "We have been really fortunate to partner with, our Sully district office here and with, Fairfax County government," Speaker 1 said, adding that the goal is to ensure children receive meals across the full two-week break rather than only a single holiday meal.

Organizers said the effort is community-funded. "It is entirely provided by the communities who really just feel it's important to make sure that these families have not only the care and compassion of a holiday meal, but also the school's out food," Speaker 1 said.

Families seeking help were told they can contact Western Fairfax Christian Ministries directly or call the county's CSP line for referral. "People can call Western Fairfax Christian Ministries directly to get help. They can all also call the CSP line from the county, and they can be directed here," Speaker 2 said.

Volunteers at the event are also helping to spread word of the program, organizers added. The distribution is intended as a supplemental food resource while schools are closed; organizers did not specify exact dates beyond referencing the two-week break.