As the weather gets colder, far too many of our neighbors are facing a growing crisis: food insecurity. Rising grocery prices and reductions in public assistance programs have created a perfect storm for families already struggling to make ends meet. And with the ongoing federal government shutdown, even more households—including furloughed federal workers—are turning to food pantries for help.
The Reality in Arlington
Food insecurity in Arlington County is more widespread than many realize. According to the 2025 Food Security Annual Report, 11.1% of residents—over 26,000 people—are food insecure, and approximately 61% of them earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits. These families often face impossible choices between paying rent, buying groceries, or covering medical expenses.
Local food pantries have seen record-breaking demand, with nearly 200,000 visits in the past year. Inflation continues to strain household budgets: food prices rose 2.6% from July 2024 to June 2025, with essentials like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs increasing by 7.3%. For families living paycheck to paycheck, these increases are devastating.
Federal Workers Feeling the Strain
The shutdown and recent federal layoffs have added another layer of urgency. Thousands of furloughed federal and laid off employees and contractors—many of whom live in Arlington—are now seeking food assistance for the first time.
How You Can Help
If you’re concerned about hunger in our community, there are two impactful ways to support families in need:
- Donate Grocery Gift Cards – These allow families to shop with dignity and choose the foods that meet their dietary and cultural needs.
- Make a Financial Contribution to Arlington Thrive – Your donation helps us provide emergency assistance, including food support, to families facing hardship.
If You Need Help
Please send an email to assistance@arlingtonthrive.org.
Together, we can ensure that teveryone in our community has enough to eat.
