The National Landing Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with FRESHFARM, a nonprofit that promotes sustainable agriculture and improves food access and equity, the Friends of Urban Agriculture, an Arlington organization working to build a future of healthy, sufficient and affordable sustainable food for all in the Arlington community, and the Wakefield, Gunston and Hoffman-Boston parent-teacher associations, has launched the Farm-to-Families initiative to provide fresh produce to local families in need.
The BID has contributed approximately $10,000 to the program, enabling over 150 families to receive a weekly stock of fruits and vegetables from FRESHFARM and its local suppliers. The program is targeted at families in need that are living in National Landing, Shirlington, Columbia Pike and the surrounding neighborhoods with children who attend the participating schools.
In order to generate an even greater impact, the BID and its partners are extending the program by inviting the public to contribute. A $15 donation purchases a week of produce for a family in the community and a $60 contribution provides a full month’s supply.
“We continue to be inspired by the giving nature of the Arlington community and encouraged by all the ways that people have stepped up to lend a hand to their neighbors,” said Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, President and Executive Director of the National Landing BID. “The BID and our many partners are excited to now generate community support for Farm-to-Families and further our collective mission to create a healthier community, especially at this difficult time.”
The BID is coordinating its efforts with the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization (CPRO), which serves businesses and the community along the Columbia Pike Corridor and recently launched its own food assistance program. By working together, the two organizations are ensuring that their combined reach encompasses all of South Arlington and meets the needs of the larger community.
“CPRO is thrilled to see so many wonderful organizations coming together to serve families in need,” said Kim Klinger, CPRO Executive Director. “We’re excited to be working with the National Landing BID to ensure residents across our two communities have access to the food they need. It has also been heartening to work with AHC, Inc., Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing, Our Lady Queen of Peace, Arlington Presbyterian Church, the Darla C. Ellis Memorial Fund, and the Cooperative for a Hunger Free Arlington these past few months.”
For more information on Farm-to-Families and to make a donation, please visit https://nationallanding.org/farm-to-families.