AFAC 30th Anniversary

P R O C L A M A T I O N

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THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE

ARLINGTON FOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER

WHEREAS, thirty years ago a group of concerned citizens came together believing that volunteer action could address the pressing food insecurity of many individuals and families in Arlington County, and so the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) was soon joined by six congregations and began in the basement of Clarendon Baptist Church by feeding 59 families in need; and

WHEREAS, AFAC is the only organization in Arlington County solely dedicated to providing residents dignified access to nutritious, supplemental groceries – free of charge, allowing vulnerable families to devote their limited resources to other financial obligations such as housing, utilities, health care and other basic needs; and

WHEREAS, today AFAC serves over 2,300 families in need of food each week, with over 5,000 families coming to AFAC each year seeking help, and in September 2018, AFAC responded to its 1,250,000th visit by a family in need; and

WHEREAS, the second mission of AFAC of encouraging volunteer action in the Arlington community is demonstrated by the 2,200 volunteers who gave almost 50,000 hours of time to help AFAC distribute over 4,500,000 pounds of food; and

WHEREAS, AFAC efficiently and effectively distributes food from 19 sites around Arlington County to the elderly, the disabled, the working poor, and that having access to healthy, nutritious food provided by AFAC means workers can stay on the job, children are ready to learn, and mothers and babies can get the nutrition they need;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christian Dorsey, Chair of the County Board of Arlington, Virginia, do hereby proclaim 2019 as

THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF THE

ARLINGTON FOOD ASSISTANCE CENTER

and encourage all residents to recognize the unique and important service AFAC has provided to our community for three decades.

Christian Dorsey
Chair