November 27, 2025
News
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority Team Donates Over 3,400 lbs to Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
FCEDA team members transported over 3,400 pounds of food from the FCEDA HQ in Tysons to Food for Others Fairfax County warehouse on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025.
This giving season, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) team came together for the fifth consecutive year to support Food for Others through an annual food drive contributing canned goods and other non-perishable items to help neighbors in need. This year, the FCEDA team donated 3,413 pounds of food, bringing the total contributed since 2021 to an impressive 10,678 pounds. Team FCEDA is proud to support Food for Others and is grateful for the Fairfax County business community for their continued involvement with various community organizations to support our most vulnerable neighbors.
When asked if there is anything about hunger in Northern Virginia that she wishes more people understood, Food for Others’ Executive Director Deb Haynes said:
“I wish more people understood how hidden hunger is in Northern Virginia. This is one of the wealthiest regions in the country, and yet there’s more than 105,000 of our neighbors who struggle to put food on their table. These are working parents, seniors, and families doing everything right but struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. Hunger here is driven by the growing gap between wages and the cost of essentials, especially housing. The face of hunger is constantly evolving, and our neighbors need our support now more than ever.”
Food For Others’ Executive Director, Deb Haynes.
Celebrating 30 years of nourishing the community, Food for Others has grown into one of Northern Virginia’s largest providers of free groceries, serving as a vital resource for unemployed and low-income individuals and families. The organization plays a critical role in supporting residents facing sudden financial hardship or unexpected emergencies, delivering food assistance to more than 3,000 families and 3,900 school-aged children every week.
“As we reflect on 30 years, one story always stays with me,” said Haynes. “A single mother came to us struggling with unemployment and the daily pressure of providing for her two children. To make sure her children had enough to eat, she often went without. She shared, ‘I can’t express how wonderful it feels to be able to prepare and cook real meals again with the ingredients you’ve given me. For the first time in a long while, it’s brought back some of the joy I’ve always had around cooking and spending time as a family around the table.’ I think about her when I watch clients buckle their children into their car seats and load their groceries in the trunk. Stories like hers are a powerful reminder that Food for Others isn’t just providing groceries – we’re offering stability, dignity, and a sense of hope during some of life’s hardest moments. This is why our work matters, why we’ve been here for our neighbors for three decades, and why we will continue to be a safe, supportive space for everyone in need.”
FCEDA team members unloading canned and dried goods.
Call to Action: How You Can Get Involved
Much of Food for Others’ supply is sourced through food rescue efforts and community-driven food drives. Volunteers and staff collect surplus yet perfectly good food from local grocery stores and other food retailers that would otherwise go to waste. These items are transported to Food for Others’ warehouse for sorting and storage, with refrigeration used when needed. Non-perishable donations from food drives continue to make up the majority of their inventory.
Thank you to the FCEDA team members who delivered the goods on behalf of the team, and a bigger thank you to the entire FCEDA team who so generously donated to this cause.
“As we celebrate our 30th anniversary, the most impactful way people and businesses can help is through financial support. The cost of food is higher than ever, and monetary gifts allow us to purchase exactly what’s needed, at bulk prices,” said Haynes. “But there are so many ways to get involved: hosting food drives, volunteering, or partnering with us through corporate sponsorships. Every contribution helps build a stronger foundation for the next 30 years of nourishing our neighbors.”
Interested in getting involved with Food for Others? Check out their volunteer opportunities for organizations, companies, individuals, students, and more!
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