Despite signs of economic recovery in the Dulles Corridor region, many low-income individuals continue to experience food insecurity. Factors such as ongoing inflation, the conclusion of numerous federal benefit programs, and rising housing and transportation costs have made it difficult for families to afford basic necessities. To address this issue, StarKist, Feed the Children, and Cornerstones hosted their Third Annual Summer Food and Resource Rally at Cornerstones’ Food Rescue Empowerment Enterprise (FREE) from Hunger Center in Sterling, Virginia.
During the event, each local partner received 25-pound boxes of shelf-stable food, including StarKist products, 15-pound boxes of hygiene essentials, Avon products, and other items. Participants included regional business leaders, elected officials, StarKist employee volunteers, and community advocates, who collaborated to provide support and encourage greater community involvement to combat food insecurity, reduce food waste, and enhance food rescue initiatives.
Tom Aslin, Vice President of Marketing for StarKist, emphasized the company’s commitment to alleviating food insecurity through its corporate giving efforts. He highlighted the significant impact food insecurity has on lower-income communities and expressed pride in partnering with Feed the Children and Cornerstones to address this issue in Northern Virginia.
The rally provided essential supplies to five regional pantry programs and nonprofits, including Community Lodgings, Dulles South Food Pantry, Fellowship Square, LINK Against Hunger, and the South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry. These organizations serve various communities by offering food, personal supplies, and support services to individuals and families in need.
Christy Zeitz, CEO of Fellowship Square, noted that many older adults struggle with food insecurity due to fixed incomes and physical challenges. She highlighted the importance of easy-to-open, protein-rich products like those donated by StarKist for ensuring that seniors have access to nutritious food.
Kerrie Wilson, CEO of Cornerstones, explained that neighborhood food pantries and feeding programs are seeing an increase in demand. According to the 2023 Capital Area Food Bank Survey, 24% of Fairfax County residents are food insecure. Cornerstones’ FREE from Hunger Center collaborates with various partners to rescue excess food and distribute it quickly to those in need. The Summer Food and Resource Rally was an opportunity to bolster summertime food supplies and connect with new community partners and volunteers.
Travis Arnold, President and CEO of Feed the Children, stated that the rally in Northern Virginia provides a meaningful opportunity to support families in the region. He expressed gratitude for the partnership with StarKist and Cornerstones, emphasizing the importance of combined efforts in making a greater impact.
Over the past 15 years, StarKist has donated over 1,045,134 pounds of tuna and chicken products and more than $939,000 to support disaster and emergency response efforts by Feed the Children. This event continues StarKist’s long history of helping to alleviate hunger, dating back to 1917.