FOOD FOR OTHERS: Number of families in need sees sharp rise

Food for Others does not screen clients who need emergency food. Our role is to collect the food and have it available so that the professional social workers and religious groups that are trained to do this screening can send families to us. Based on these referrals, Food for Others provides emergency boxes of food to cover 4-5 days to help people immediately.

In the four months since July 2013, we have seen a 36 percent increase in the number of referrals sent to us by agencies and churches, compared to the 2012 July-October time period. In October 2013, the number of referrals compared to October 2012 is up by 76%! Even during the worst months of 2008-2009, demand did not spike like this.

It is hard to tell what is behind this, but the fact is that the professionals are seeing more and more families that they recognize as in need of immediate emergency food assistance. For Food for Others, our job is to keep up with demand, which is likely to grow in these colder months.  

If you would like to donate food or money to Food for Others, or would like to volunteer at Food for Others, call Nikki Clifford at 703-207-9173. Or you may go to foodforothers.org.