Chances are that you didn’t know that hunger is a significant problem in Stafford County. One organization – Stafford Food Security, Inc. – is fighting to change that.
Earlier in 2017, Tim White made the decision to work to make a difference in the community. He found that thousands of citizens in Stafford County were having to make the choice between paying their bills and feeding their families – this was unacceptable to Tim.
“Hunger is real. It is an enemy that lives in our community, and preys on our children. While there are many food pantry programs, nearly all require parent participation, and frankly, some parents just can’t (or won’t) participate. Unfortunately, it’s the kids that suffer, through no fault of their own. I was one of these kids.
When I conceived this program, my first thought was, “How do we get the food to kids?” That’s when I thought of teachers. Teachers and paraprofessionals just… know. So I called a local principal and said, “I have an idea…” He loved it, and has been incredibly supportive. With all of us working together, we can beat hunger, and help some kids.
We provide meals in backpacks to feed a family of four. We also provide some basic training to local teachers to help identify kids that need these meals. We stock the pantry at the school with backpacks. When the teacher identifies a child in need, the teacher sends a pack home with the child for dinner that night, along with some resources to help the family. There are no income limitations, and no reporting requirements. Privacy and discretion are important to us.”
– Tim White, founder of the non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation Stafford Food Security, Inc.
Photo from Stafford Food Security Inc.
How can you get involved?
Purchase and donate any of the following items:
15 oz Can Dinty Moore Beef Stew
16 oz. Egg Noodles
10.75 oz. can Cream of Chicken Soup
5 oz. can White Tuna
Kraft Mac-n-Cheese Microwaveable Cups
16 oz. box of Spaghetti Noodles
24 oz. Plastic Jar of Spaghetti Sauce
16 oz. can Red Beans
14.5 oz. can Stewed Tomatoes
6 oz. can Tomato Paste
32 oz. bag White Rice
Box of Ritz Crackers
15 oz. can Baked Beans
14.5 oz. can Green Beans
15 oz. can Peas
Package of 4 oz. Fruit Cups
Package of Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars
Package of Capri-Sun 100% Juice Pouches
Donations can be dropped off at the following sites:
South Stafford
1607 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Hours: Sun – Sat: 10am – 10pm
220 Tyler Von Way
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
Hours: Sun, Tues-Fri: 10am-6pm Sat: 10am-8pm
282 Deacon Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22405
North Stafford
261-107 Garrisonville Road
Stafford, VA 22554
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm Fri: 11am-7pm Sat: 10am-6pm
“Our enterprise is funded solely through donations from churches, businesses, and generous individuals. We partner with local youth groups, businesses, booster clubs, churches, and schools to collect and fill our backpacks. Every dollar we collect goes to feed a hungry child in Stafford County.”
– Stafford Food Security, Inc.
Photos from Stafford Food Security Inc.
Stafford Food Security Inc. is serving the following schools:
Elementary Schools:
Conway, Falmouth, Ferry Farm, Garrisonville, Grafton Village, Hampton Oaks, Park Ridge, Rocky Run, Rockhill, and Stafford Elementaries
Middle Schools:
A.G. Wright, Drew, Gayle, and H.H. Poole Middle Schools
For more information or to volunteer in other ways, go to the website at www.staffordfoodsecurity.org OR visit them on Facebook here.
