Food Access Program (FAP)

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

Food insecurity is a growing problem in Fairfax County. The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services’ Food Access Program (FAP) surveyed community-based nonprofits and faith communities to see what the most crucial needs were as the county continued to navigate the effects of COVID-19. Based on that feedback, the FAP was able to identify needs and allocate more than $7 million in American Rescue Act Plan funding to address purchasing, distribution and storage support benefitting more than 50 nonprofits and houses of worship. In keeping with Fairfax County’s One Fairfax’s social and racial equity program, the FAP has paid particular attention to food preferences among various religious and ethnic preferences. It has also examined and implemented ways to improve food access and distribution to meet the needs of those experiencing barriers to food access. The initial $3.5 million FAP investment has increased food access for thousands of county residents in FY22. An additional $4 million will be spent in FY23 and FY24. This will enable the FAP to make a significant impact on food insecurity for the county of more than 1.1 million residents.