Some families in Falls Church are struggling financially. The effects of the Federal government shutdown during the month of October are affecting all of us in different ways, and some families are facing dire situations.
How to Get Help
FCCPS and the City of Falls Church have resources to help. If your family is struggling financially with food insecurity, check out the list of community resources, or reach out to your school's Social Worker, who can help with grocery gift cards donated by the Falls Church Education Foundation's Family Assistance Fund, and can also provide referrals to local food pantries.
The City’s Housing and Human Services office can also help with resources.
Regarding SNAP benefits, as of November 10 Following new federal guidance, Virginia Department of Social Services anticipates that partial benefits of up to 65% will be issued to all eligible SNAP households by Thursday, November 13. This partial federal payment is in addition to the 25% state-funded VENA payment that households have already received.
Based on this new guidance from the USDA, VENA payments have been stopped effective November 9.
Unused SNAP and VENA benefits may be used.
If there are questions, participants can call the number on the back of their card or VDSS Constituent Services at 804-726-7000.
Learn more about SNAP and where to get help with getting food.
Contact a School Social Worker:
Jessie Thackery Preschool and Mount Daniel Elementary School
Sarah Coughter
571-369-7161
Oak Street Elementary School
Robin Borum
571-419-7741
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
Colleen Hoover
(703) 248-5624
Meridian High School
Samantha Daniels
571-419-1127
How to Give Help
If you would like to donate to help families in our community, we suggest donating funds because food banks can stretch food dollars further by purchasing food through wholesalers.
FCEF Family Assistance Fund All funds donated go directly to FCCPS families through School Social Workers.
Donate food or funds to Food for Others and Falls Church Community Service Council, local organizations that serve Falls Church families and others in the region.