Our Story
In 1988, AFAC was founded by a number of volunteers who believed they could address food insecurity in Arlington and was soon joined by six congregations. Our first food distributions that rotated among the congregations served 50 families. The goal was to help our Arlington neighbors facing food insecurity by providing weekly, fresh, and nutritious groceries free of charge on a referral basis to low-income families and individuals in our community.
As the needs of the community have grown and evolved, so has AFAC’s ability to serve all who come to our doors. From SNAP cuts to rising housing, fuel, and food costs, AFAC has continued to change and adapt to meet ever-changing needs while remaining committed to providing healthy food with dignity and compassion.
Today, thanks to the generosity of our donors, volunteers, and community partners, AFAC continues to serve the Arlington community, supporting more than 4,000 families every week. As of 2026, one in ten Arlington residents rely on AFAC for food assistance during the year, underscoring the growing need for our services and the vital role AFAC plays in ensuring our neighbors have access to nutritious food.
Mission
AFAC provides free weekly groceries to our Arlington neighbors.
Vision Statement
AFAC is a non-profit food pantry that continuously strives to find innovative and inclusive approaches to address food insecurity in our community.
Core Beliefs
- Food is a human right.
- All people are deserving of dignity and respect.
- Hunger is a systemic challenge.
- All people need frequent, long-term, and barrier free access to food.
- All people should be able to choose the nutritious foods that meet their unique needs.
- Volunteers are foundational to the work of food pantries and are nourished by meaningful experiences.
- Community partnerships strengthen the local safety net.
- Integrity and expertise should guide decision-making and programming.
