ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria has always come together during tough times. Recently, the holiday season showed just how generous this community can be. Food drives overflowed, and neighbors rallied to help one another. But the truth is, the need for assistance doesn’t end when the holidays do.
Currently, over 20,000 people in Alexandria rely on ALIVE! for food support each month. Many families are still feeling the effects of job losses and rising grocery costs, making the demand for food aid greater than ever.
To meet the needs of those struggling, ALIVE! aims to provide at least two cans of food for each person. This equates to a whopping 40,000 cans needed every month.
This weekend, The Zebra is hosting a food drive named “Fill the Truck” at two local farmers markets. It’s a simple way for everyone to pitch in.
You can drop off nonperishable food at the following locations:
Del Ray Farmers Market
Pat Miller Square
Saturday, February 21
6:00 a.m. to NoonOld Town North Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Montgomery Park, 901 North Royal Street
Sunday, February 22
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Look for the silver truck. Every item you donate goes straight to ALIVE!, helping local families in need.
While the holidays often motivate people to give, the reality is food insecurity doesn’t take a break. Families continue to struggle long after the holiday lights are down.
Mary Wadland, the publisher of The Zebra, highlighted Alexandria’s strong sense of community: “We saw it during the holidays. Now we’re asking our readers and market shoppers to help again — even a few cans make a difference.”
Here are some suggested items to contribute:
- Canned vegetables
- Canned beans
- Canned fruit
- Pasta and rice
- Shelf-stable milk
- Peanut butter
- Cereal
- Soups and stews
If you’re visiting the farmers market this weekend, think about packing a couple of extra items in your bag. Together, we can show that Alexandria’s generosity extends beyond the holiday season.
By participating in events like “Fill the Truck,” we can ensure that our community continues to support one another, not just in December, but all year round.
Source link
Alexandria VA,ALIVE!,Del Ray Farmers Market,Fill the Truck,food drive,food insecurity,Montgomery Park,Old Town North Farmer’s Market,Pat Miller Square,The Zebra Press
