Northern Virginia Family Services (NVFS) and Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) have launched a Spring Food Drive aimed at collecting 10,000 pounds of food to address the pressing issue of food insecurity in the region. This initiative was announced on March 16, 2026, in Manassas, Virginia.
The food drive comes in response to alarming statistics indicating that 43% of households in Prince William County experience food insecurity, which is notably 7% higher than the average for the Greater Washington Area. The NVFS Hunger Resource Center, located on the NVFS SERVE Campus in Manassas, serves as a critical hub for food distribution and community support.
Established in 1975, the NVFS SERVE Campus has been a cornerstone of the Greater Prince William community, providing essential services for over 100 years. Each year, NVFS empowers more than 40,000 individuals to achieve their goals, highlighting its significant role in enhancing the quality of life in the region.
The Spring Food Drive will accept donations at the NVFS Hunger Resource Center until April 10. Community members are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items to help meet the ambitious goal of 10,000 pounds.
Stephanie Berkowitz, a representative from NVFS, emphasized the importance of access to nutritious food, stating, “Access to nutritious food is fundamental, yet food insecurity remains a pressing challenge in our region.” This sentiment is echoed by Dawn S. Davis, who noted, “Food insecurity remains a critical challenge in Prince William County, with more than four in 10 households experiencing difficulty accessing enough nutritious food.”
The NVFS Hunger Resource Center was recently honored with the 2026 Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award for Health and Human Services, recognizing its impactful work in the community. Kristi Black, a spokesperson for the award, remarked, “The Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award for Health and Human Services recognizes organizations that make a significant impact on the quality of life in the greater Prince William region.”
As the food drive progresses, local businesses and community organizations, including the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and the Capital Area Food Bank, are expected to rally support to help combat food insecurity in the area.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the total amount of food collected as the drive continues, but the community’s response thus far has been encouraging.