In the bustling heart of Old Town Alexandria, a family's dedication to community service shines through as they collect surplus produce, fruits, and baked goods from the local farmers' market to distribute to those in need. This heartwarming story showcases the power of grassroots initiatives and the impact they can have on addressing food insecurity in the city.

Transforming Excess into Nourishment

Gleaning for a Greater Good

The Bryan family, comprising Max, Evelyn, Emily, and Ian, are part of a remarkable volunteer effort that has been collecting unsold items from the Old Town Farmers' Market for the past decade. This initiative, known as "gleaning," is rooted in the biblical tradition of leaving unharvested crops for the less fortunate. Each Saturday, the Bryans meticulously gather a diverse array of fresh produce, including lettuce, green beans, eggplant, corn, carrots, peppers, apples, squash, broccoli, and cucumbers, as well as baked goods like pies and bread. Their parents, Emily and Ian, then carefully catalog and weigh the bounty before it is carefully packed into crates, ready to be distributed to the Christ Church's Lazarus Food Pantry the following Thursday.

A Bountiful Harvest for the Community

The impact of this gleaning effort is truly remarkable. Last year, over 3,000 pounds of produce, fruit, eggs, and baked items were donated to the Lazarus Food Pantry from May to late October. This year's haul is expected to exceed that impressive figure, showcasing the generosity of the local farmers and the dedication of the volunteers. Melanie Gray, the Director of Outreach & Mission at Christ Church, describes the donated goods as a "rich bounty that changes throughout the season, depending on crops and weather." This seasonal variety ensures that the food pantry guests can enjoy a diverse array of fresh and nutritious options.

A Collaborative Effort for the Greater Good

The success of this initiative is the result of a collaborative effort between Christ Church, the Old Town Farmers' Market vendors, and the City of Alexandria's Department of Community and Human Services. The city's Community Services Program Coordinator, Brandon Hare, facilitates the partnership, contacting vendors about participating and weighing the produce each week. This "win-win" scenario ensures that fresh, wholesome food that might otherwise go to waste is instead distributed to those in need, providing a vital lifeline to the community.

Empowering Guests with Choice and Dignity

The Lazarus Food Pantry at Christ Church operates on a unique model that prioritizes the dignity and autonomy of its guests. Unlike traditional pre-packed food distributions, each guest is able to personally select the items they need, accompanied by a "concierge" volunteer who guides them through the various stations. This approach allows guests to obtain products that are particularly useful to their individual or family's needs, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-determination. On an average Thursday, the pantry serves 35-40 guests, providing them with not only nourishing food but also a welcoming and supportive community.

Expanding the Reach: Partnerships and Collaborations

The Lazarus Food Pantry's efforts extend beyond the gleaning program, as they also receive local food donations from MOM's Organic Market, Trader Joe's, Panera Bread, and the Capital Area Food Bank. If any of the donated produce or baked goods are unlikely to remain fresh until the Thursday distribution, the church ensures that they are shared with other local food pantries, such as the West End Food Pantry and Grace Episcopal Food Pantry, to prevent waste and maximize the impact.

A Holistic Approach to Food Security

The Lazarus Food Pantry's commitment to addressing food insecurity in Alexandria goes beyond simply providing food. They also offer educational resources, including cooking demonstrations and the distribution of healthy recipe books, empowering their guests to make nutritious choices and expand their culinary skills. Additionally, the pantry volunteers share information about voter registration, winter coat giveaways, and other community resources, fostering a holistic approach to supporting the well-being of their guests.

Addressing the Realities of Food Insecurity

The City of Alexandria's recent Food Insecurity Report sheds light on the challenges faced by families in the city. The report reveals that 8% of households in Alexandria are food insecure, and 9% of residents are living below the federal poverty line. Notably, 44% of individuals who are food insecure are not eligible for government assistance due to their income levels. The report also identifies four populations that are particularly under-resourced: the unhoused, older adults, immigrants and non-English speakers, and the Latino community.

A Collaborative Vision for a Food-Secure Future

The City of Alexandria's Food Insecurity Report offers a roadmap for addressing these pressing issues. Recommendations include expanding food distribution hours to include evenings and weekends, educating the community on food dating and its implications, engaging with trusted partners, and ensuring that food sourcing meets the cultural, religious, and health needs of the diverse population. By working collaboratively with organizations like Christ Church's Lazarus Food Pantry, the city can leverage its resources and expertise to create a more equitable and food-secure future for all its residents.