A nonprofit affordable housing provider in Alexandria has distributed Thanksgiving meals to 300 families in need, following its annual holiday food drive.
The drive organized by Housing Alexandria surpassed its collection efforts in 2024 by 15%, according to a release. Each meal provides enough food to feed a family of four, totaling more than 1,000 servings of food.
Photos shared by the nonprofit show boxes of stuffing, cans of green beans and cranberry sauce and bags of mashed potato mix, all lined up and ready for distribution.
“We are delighted to continue this annual tradition for our residents,” Housing Alexandria COO Elisa Kendragon said in a release. “Providing a delicious and nutritious meal is just one way we show our deep commitment to supporting our families’ well-being throughout the holiday season.”
Housing Alexandria delivered the meals and Harris Teeter gift cards in reusable tote bags across residents at its properties. The drive was organized in partnership with the Henry Condominium Association.
How to support food assistance efforts
Earlier this month, the city’s largest housing and food insecurity nonprofit, ALIVE!, told ALXnow it was experiencing increased demand for food assistance amid the former government shutdown and subsequent pause on safety nets like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
At the time, the nonprofit requested monetary donations — which allow food banks to purchase more food at wholesale rates — as well as shelf-stable items like canned tuna, ramen and microwavable cup meals.
A table of accepted donations and ALIVE!’s most needed items is available, below. The nonprofit collects food donations at 801 S. Payne Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Those wishing to contribute donations may also fulfill orders on the Capital Area Food Bank’s Amazon wish list. The food bank supports food pantries throughout Northern Virginia and the D.C. region.
Assistance events this week
If you are in need of food assistance, ALIVE! has planned the following food distributions this week, starting tomorrow (Wednesday).
- Fairlington United Methodist Church (3900 King Street) on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5-6:30 p.m.
- Francis C. Hammond Middle School (4646 Seminary Road) on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 4-6 p.m.
Also, two community fresh markets are scheduled from 8:30-10:30 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 22.
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Avenue)
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)
Image 2 via ALIVE!
