Diocesan Catholic Charities St. Lucy Food Project collected 1,250 pounds of produce at Good Shepherd Church in Alexandria Feb. 12 before the “Big Game.”
The pilot drive exceeded its goal of 1,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, which will go to food-insecure and underserved communities.
“The price of produce has increased so much during the last year that, for many low-income families, these items are not within their already stretched budgets,” said Vincent Cannava, St. Lucy Food Project program director. “These foods provide nutrition that help ward off disease and reduce stress, among many other healthful benefits. Catholic Charities wants to ensure struggling individuals and families throughout our community have these delicious and healthy fresh foods.”
The food was transported from Good Shepherd to the St. Lucy Food warehouse in Manassas, where it will be distributed to at least three food pantries in Northern Virginia including Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Arlington, St. Joseph Table in Culpeper County and Holy Family Church in Dale City.
In fiscal year 2022, Catholic Charities responded to more than 49,300 requests for food and distributed 1.7 million pounds, valued at $2.6 million.
