Shutdown Deepens Food Insecurity Across Northern Virginia

As the government shutdown continues, families across Northern Virginia are struggling to keep food on the table. With Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits under threat and paychecks on hold, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) has seen an increase in families seeking food assistance. The growing demand underscores the ripple effects federal furloughs and delayed paychecks are having across Northern Virginia.

“There are thousands of people in this community living on the edge,” said Stephanie Berkowitz, NVFS President and CEO, in a recent NBC4 interview. “That little bit extra each month [from SNAP] that helps support groceries for the children and their families is literally life-saving.”

Nearly half of those who rely on SNAP benefits are children, making the potential disruption especially concerning. Kathleen McMahon, NVFS Executive Vice President added, "The big concerns we have are the trade-offs families will start to make — choosing between food, medication, or rent. The risk of people losing their homes is a big concern for us."

A growing number of families have been turning to the NVFS Hunger Resource Center as costs rise and safety nets fray. “We rally our community,” Berkowitz said. “Many people are looking to help, and many people in the community need help. NVFS is really that bridge.”

If you can help, visit nvfs.org/donate to support local families.

If you’re a federal worker in need of resources, we invite you to contact us and to explore the Shutdown Assistance Map from My FED Benefits for additional food, financial, and community support near you.

Season to Share: Upcoming Food Drop-Off Days

As costs continue to rise, and the shutdown continues, too many Northern Virginia families are forced to make impossible choices — putting food on the table, paying rent, or buying holiday gifts for their children. Through Season to Share, Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) is rallying our community to ensure no family feels left behind.

The effort begins with the Fall Food Drive, and there are several opportunities to drop off donations: 

📅 Monday, Oct. 27 | Wednesday, Oct. 29 | Wednesday, Nov. 5 | Friday, Nov. 7 
🕙 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Bring food to help families stock their pantries for the colder months ahead. This year we are also accepting perishable items like milk, fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Can’t make it in person? You can still make a difference by donating shelf-stable food online or giving cash donations online or by check. Every contribution helps NVFS keep shelves filled and families nourished.

Together, we can share hope, inspire generosity, and make this season brighter for all. 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) — a time to stand with survivors, honor their courage, and reaffirm our shared commitment to safety, healing, and hope.

Earlier this month, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Meredith McKeen, NVFS Vice President of Programs, accepted the proclamation on behalf of NVFS, recognizing the essential role that our organization and community partners play in helping families build safe and stable lives.

Domestic violence takes many forms — physical harm, emotional manipulation, financial control, and isolation. If any of this feels familiar, please know you’re not alone, and support is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is free and confidential at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.

If you’re concerned about someone who may be in an unsafe relationship, learn how to help with compassion and care in NVFS' recent blog posts: Domestic Violence: How to Help From an Outsider’s Perspective.

Together, we can raise awareness, strengthen trust, and build a safer community for everyone.

Together, We Build Hope: Lowe’s Volunteers Revitalize NVFS’ SERVE Campus

NVFS was the grateful recipient of a Lowe’s Hometown Heroes grant, which combined grant funding and skilled volunteer power to spruce up our SERVE Campus. The grant provided funding to completely renovate — down to the studs! — the two community bathrooms in the SERVE Family Shelter transforming them into bright, comfortable spaces that promote safety, warmth, and dignity for every guest.

In addition, more than 40 Lowe’s Associates joined us for two “Red Vest” volunteer days, working from sunup to sundown to repair and paint walls and wainscoting throughout the shelter, clean and update outdoor lighting, and give the pergola surrounding the campus a fresh coat of paint.

The impact of these improvements will be felt by the hundreds of guests who visit the SERVE Campus each year. NVFS is deeply grateful to Lowe’s for their incredible partnership, generosity, and commitment to our community.

Season to Share: Mark Your Calendars for Holiday Giving

The holidays are on the horizon and NVFS is already preparing to make the season brighter for local children and families through Season to Share: Holiday Giving. Each year, community generosity helps us distribute more than 2,000 toys across Northern Virginia — and we can’t do it without you.

🎁 Toy Drop-off Dates

• Monday, December 8 | 1–6 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 9 | 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
  NVFS Headquarters, 3110 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, VA 22042

Can’t make it in person? You can still bring holiday joy! Donate funds, send gift cards, or shop our Amazon Wish List on our website.

Thank you to our generous 2025 Season to Share sponsors for helping families celebrate with dignity and joy. Sponsorships are still available.

Accenture Volunteers Add Heart—and Fresh Paint—to NVFS

On Accenture’s Metro DC Day of Service, volunteers brought new energy — and color — to NVFS. A dedicated team refreshed the sales floor walls at the NVFS Thrift Shop, giving the space a bright, clean new look. What a difference a coat of paint makes! Many thanks to Team Accenture for rolling up your sleeves and making such a visible impact.

Meanwhile, for the eighth consecutive year, another Accenture team volunteered at the NVFS Family Shelter in Manassas, painting the singles’ lounge and lobby areas. The newly brightened spaces feel more welcoming and uplifting for guests and staff.

We’re deeply grateful to Accenture for their continued partnership and hands-on support. Your commitment year after year helps create inviting environments where families and individuals can thrive.

Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award Winners!  

For more than 30 years, NVFS has presented the CARE Awards to recognize companies that make our region a better place for everyone to work, live, and play. Winners are selected based on their outstanding culture and employee engagement strategies. Congratulations to the 2025 CARE Award winners for creating thriving, exemplary workplaces for employees every day.  

Join us on Thursday, November 20 at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner for the CARE Awards Reception. Meet this year’s award winners, learn about the best practices these companies employ, and connect with business leaders from across Northern Virginia. Sponsorship opportunities are available as well – an excellent way to gain visibility while supporting NVFS’ mission. 

To learn more about the CARE Awards reception and to purchase tickets and sponsorships, please visit our website.

Volunteer Spotlight: Connor’s Eagle Scout Project Fights Hunger

Shout-out to Connor! For his Eagle Scout project, Connor set out to tackle food insecurity — and made an incredible impact. After learning about the issue, he educated his community and organized a drive that collected enough food and funds to assemble 83 robust weekend food packs for children served by NVFS’ Community In Reach program.

These packs help bridge the gap for children who rely on free and reduced-price school meals but face empty shelves when school isn’t in session. Thanks to Connor’s leadership, more local kids will have full bellies and brighter weekends.

Connor’s volunteer project brought together six fellow scouts and five adults, raising the funds to make it all possible. His compassion and determination turned awareness into action — proving that one person’s effort can spark community-wide impact.

Way to go, Connor!