Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington's “Fall Harvest Food Drives” Exceed Donation Goal, Raise More Than 101,000 Pounds of Food for Busy Holiday Season and Winter

With food costs on the rise, more than 40 parishes, schools and Catholic civic groups across the Diocese joined forces with goal of 100,000 pounds of food for the hungry

December 7, 2021

ARLINGTON, Va. - Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington's “Fall Harvest Food Drives” came to a successful close, raising more than 101,000 pounds of food for those in need this holiday season. At least 40 parishes, schools, and Catholic civic groups worked toward the massive goal of 100,000 pounds of food for the hungry. The undertaking took place in October and November in anticipation of a busy holiday season and winter, particularly with food prices on the rise. While the fall goal was high given the unprecedented need, much is still needed throughout December, and the organization is asking for additional assistance.

“The heartwarming generosity of those within our communities is making all the difference this holiday season. So many of our neighbors are giving with open hands and open hearts,” said Cathy Hassinger, Director of Community Services, Catholic Diocese of Arlington. “The need for food remains slightly higher than it was last year, which is increasingly concerning as food prices rise. The food comes into the warehouse and is almost immediately sent to pantries to meet the unprecedented need. We thank those who have already given so generously and humbly ask families to consider donating food again or maybe for the first time.”

Items in need include non-perishables such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed or bagged cereal, rice and pasta, pasta sauce, cooking oil, bread, non-refrigerated juice, peanut butter, and canned chicken or fish, such as tuna or salmon.

Donations can be made to the St. Lucy Food Project warehouse, 8426-28 Kao Circle in Manassas, at a “no contact” secure bin 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To donate online, please visit https://secure.ccda.net/Give/Give/Donate/Giving.aspx. To learn more about ways to donate food throughout the Diocese, visit https://www.ccda.net/give-help/donate-and-distribute-food/.

All donations will be distributed through the St. Lucy Food Project which provides food to the community through three Catholic Charities pantries-Loaves and Fishes in Front Royal, Christ House in Alexandria, and the Loudoun Regional Office in Sterling-as well as more than 80 parish, interfaith, community and government pantries within the Diocese.

Beginning in spring 2020, Catholic Charities' pantries and parish and partner pantries experienced a dramatic increase in the amount of food needed because of the rising economic toll of the coronavirus on families. Staff and volunteers continue to practice social distancing and wear masks at all sites.

For more information, contact Lori Sikra, Outreach Specialist, St. Lucy Food Project, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Arlington at lori.sikra@ccda.net.

For additional information, contact Amber Roseboom, Director of Media Relations, Catholic Diocese of Arlington, at 571-215-8731 or Amber.Roseboom@arlingtondiocese.org.

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