Hunger Pains

According to the Fairfax Food Council (FFC), Fairfax County has the highest number of residents in the state of Virginia with food insecurities, approximately 57,000 people, including 26,000 children. The FFC goes on to state that “food security includes not only access to food, but the nutritional quality of that food as the foundation to overall health and wellness.”  The fact that the FFC lists 14 food providers accepting fresh produce is proof that the need for fresh food is vital.

The Fairfax County Community Action Advisory Board publishes data on poverty in Northern Virginia, based on the US Census and county resources. According to their most recent research (2018), 1 in 17 people in Fairfax County live in poverty, including 1 in 13 children under the age of 5, 1 in 14 under the age of 18, and 1 in 18 people over the age of 65 – the fastest growing demographics living in poverty. Over 55,428 students in Fairfax County come from families whose limited income qualifies for free and reduced lunch.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity due to low level income and high cost-of-living is an active, ongoing concern in this neighborhood. Food insecurity means individuals are eating less, reducing the quality of the food they purchase, omitting meat and fresh produce from their diet, and skipping meals altogether.

The founders of FUN have volunteered with schools in our neighborhoods and have witnessed the impact of food insecurities in children.

As farmers and gardeners, we knew there was a way we could help. It’s that simple. We want to provide a healthy, sustainable source of food to alleviate hunger in our local community.

Source:(https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/sites/familyservices/files/assets/boardsauthoritiescommissions/community-action-advisory-board/pdfs/2019-community-action-advisory-board-state-of-the-poor-bookmark.pdf)