Nutrition Services

Description

AFAC provides access to free groceries, which allows older adults to devote their limited financial resources to other needs, such as housing, utilities, and medication. With the help of over 2,000 volunteers who bag, distribute, drive, help in the office, warehouse, and more, Arlington older adults enjoy nutritional stability in their day-to-day lives. Nearly 1,700 older adults in Arlington benefit from the groceries provided by AFAC annually.

Cost

To receive weekly groceries from AFAC, you must: (1) live in Arlington and (2) get a referral from an Arlington County social service agency.

• AFAC referrals last for 6 months, and give you access to free weekly groceries.
• Once enrolled, residents may visit AFAC once per week and will receive an AFAC barcode card (like a library card) that can be scanned in at each visit.
• At the end of 6 months, contact your case worker to renew your referral.

To apply for AFAC services, you must provide ONE photo identification and ONE proof of your address in Arlington, then:

• Go in person to the Department of Human Services, Customer Service Center: 2100 Washington Blvd, first floor, 22204. Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. For more information, call DHS at 703-228-1300.
• If you are 60 or older, call the Department of Human Services, Arlington Area Agency on Aging at 703-228-1700.
• If you have a child at the Arlington Public Schools, contact your school’s social worker.

For More Information

Contact Lily Duran at lily.duran@afac.org or call: 571–384–1440

Description

Meals on Wheels of Arlington, VA delivers nutritious meals to nearly 200 households per week. Powered by a dedicated volunteer workforce, this network delivers meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable older adults to live with independence and dignity. The national leadership organization, Meals on Wheels America, is headquartered in Arlington, supports more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger.

Eligibility

There are eligibility requirements:

• Reside in Arlington County, VA
• Be homebound or incapable of procuring or preparing meals for themselves
• Not have substantial assistance present in the home on a regular basis
• Not reside in a facility that offers congregate food service

For More Information

Contact Mary Tugwell at president@mealsonwheelsarlington.com or call 703–522–0811

Description

Provides coupons for adults, aged 60+ who meet financial eligibility requirements, to purchase fresh fruit and vegetables from participating Virginia farmers at area farmers’ markets.

Cost

There are eligibility requirements.

For More Information

Contact the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 703–228–1700 or arlaaa@arlingtonva.us

Description

Social 60+ Cafés provide one hot meal daily (M–F) to Arlington residents age 60+. Meals are served at participating 55+ centers to encourage socialization. Planned activities and programs are also provided.

Cost

Social 60+ Cafe meals are priced to be affordable and are offered at Arlington Mill Community Center, Langston-Brown Community Center, and Walter Reed Community Center.

For More Information

Call 703–228–4747 (select option 3) or email 55plus@arlingtonva.us

Description

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides financial assistance for low-income households to purchase food. An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card is provided and can be used at any USDA authorized retail store or food vendor. You can apply online or by calling 833–522–5582.

Cost

There are eligibility requirements. The EBT debit card is credited monthly based on income and household size. Starting January 1, 2027, SNAP beneficiaries must reapply for eligibility every six months.

For More Information

Call the Department of Social Services Call Center 855–635–4370