Here at Arlington Food Bank, we are constantly seeking ways to engage with our community and create avenues for easy, impactful contributions. One such initiative is our “A Simple Gesture” program, which began in 2015 in a neighboring community with just six families. Fast forward to 2022, and the program has expanded to include 650 generous donors and 100 devoted volunteers. Through this initiative, we’ve been able to receive 50,000 pounds of non-perishable food and personal items annually, valued at an impressive $150,000!
Here’s how “A Simple Gesture” works:
- Purchase Extra Items: During your regular grocery shopping, pick up one or more extra non-perishable food items.
- Place in the Cool ‘Red’ Bag: Store the extra item(s) in the designated cool ‘red’ bag provided by the program.
- Scheduled Collection: On the 2nd Saturday of EVEN months, a volunteer will swing by to collect your bag, leave a new bag for you, and ensure the items reach the Arlington Food Bank. Just leave the bag outside your front door, and we’ll handle the rest!
Enrolling in “A Simple Gesture” is a breeze!
- Online Registration: You can easily enroll in the program by clicking the button Below.
- Email Contact: Feel free to reach out via email at asg@arlingtonfoodbank.org for more information or to enroll.
Besides participating as a donor, there are other ways you can contribute. You could help collect bags on the 2nd Saturday of even months, share information about the program with friends and neighbors, or volunteer your time at the food bank to help sort and organize the donations.
Our community’s response to “A Simple Gesture” program has been nothing short of inspiring. It’s a straightforward way to make a continuous impact and ensure our shelves remain stocked, making the act of giving a habit all year round. Since its inception in January (year unspecified), the program has accumulated over 2,200 pounds of food donations.
Moreover, we are excited about our partnership with Arlington Public Schools for the “Meals ‘til Monday Supplemental Kid’s Pack” program. This collaboration helps provide food to students in need over the weekends, further extending our community support and ensuring that no one goes hungry.
Join us in making a difference in our community through “A Simple Gesture” program. Your simple gesture can lead to significant change and help us move closer to a hunger-free Arlington!