WUSA9 kickstarts food insecurity relief initiative | Giving Matters

WASHINGTON — Food insecurity is a pressing issue in the DMV and WUSA9 is partnering with organizations throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia to help provide relief to children and families who are experiencing food insecurity. 

What is food insecurity?

Food insecurity is a broad term and is defined in two ways as 'low food insecurity and 'very low food insecurity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

Low food insecurity was formerly known as experiencing food insecurity without hunger, according to the USDA, and is defined as "reports of reduced quality, variety, or desirability of diet. Little or no indication of reduced food intake."

Very low food insecurity was formerly known as experiencing food insecurity with hunger, according to the USDA, and is defined as "reports of multiple indications of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake."

WUSA9 food drives

For six weeks, WUSA9 will host food drives across the DMV to collect food in partnership with local food distributors. The first event kicked off at Giant Food Store in South Riding, Virginia July 20, with food donations going to the Dulles South Food Pantry followed by the July 27 collection at the Rockville Pike Giant benefitting Manna Food Center and an Aug. 3 event at Giant in Fort Washington collecting for United Communities Against Poverty. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 10, WUSA9 will be at the Giant Food Store in Falls Church, Virginia (6360 Seven Corners Center) from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. collecting donations for Arlington Food Assistance Center. 

The following items are most needed:

In June, WUSA9 reported that The Capital Area Food Bank released a report stating that one out of three people were impacted by food insecurity in the D.C. region last year. The report identified Prince George's Co. as experiencing the most food insecurity in the DMV. Prince William County, Virginia, and D.C. are tied with the second most food insecure population.

Are you looking to purchase fresh produce and additional food with EBT, WIC and other food assistance programs in D.C.? Well, look no further because WUSA9 has put together a list of places in the District with multiple forms of payment. Click the link below to learn more!