This year’s fall food drive by diocesan Catholic Charities collected more than 101,000 pounds of food for those in need this holiday season. More than 40 parishes, schools and Catholic civic groups participated. Organizers say collections will continue throughout the winter to meet another season of unprecedented need.
“The heartwarming generosity of those within our communities is making all the difference this holiday season,” said Cathy Hassinger, Director of Community Services. “The need for food remains slightly higher than it was last year, which is increasingly concerning as food prices rise.”
Items needed include non-perishables such as canned fruits and vegetables, boxed or bagged cereal, rice and pasta, pasta sauce, cooking oil, bread, non-refrigerated juice, peanut butter and canned chicken or fish, such as tuna or salmon.
All donations will be distributed through the St. Lucy Food Project which provides food to the community through three Catholic Charities pantries — Loaves and Fishes in Front Royal, Christ House in Alexandria, and the Loudoun Regional Office in Sterling, as well as more than 80 parish, interfaith, community and government pantries within the diocese.
Beginning in spring 2020, Catholic Charities’ pantries and parish and partner pantries experienced a dramatic increase in the amount of food needed because of the rising economic toll of the coronavirus on families.
How to donate
Donations can be made to the St. Lucy Food Project warehouse, 8426-28 Kao Circle in Manassas, at a “no contact” secure bin or online at https://secure.ccda.net/Give/Give/Donate/Giving.aspx.
Find out more about Catholic Charities food donations at https://www.ccda.net/give-help/donate-and-distribute-food/.
