Some families in Falls Church are struggling financially. The effects of the Federal government shutdown during the month of October are affecting all of us in different ways, and some families are facing dire situations.
How to Get Help
FCCPS and the City of Falls Church have resources to help. If your family is struggling financially with food insecurity, check out the list of community resources, or reach out to your school's Social Worker, who can help with grocery gift cards donated by the Falls Church Education Foundation's Family Assistance Fund, and can also provide referrals to local food pantries.
The City’s Housing and Human Services office can also help with resources.
Regarding SNAP benefits, as of October 30 Virginia has launched VENA, an emergency food assistance program to fill the gap when SNAP benefits lapse starting Nov. 1 due to the federal government shutdown. People eligible for SNAP as of October 29, 2025 should receive a weekly benefit on their EBT cards. Payments are scheduled to begin Nov. 3. Learn more about SNAP and VENA.
Contact a School Social Worker:
Jessie Thackery Preschool and Mount Daniel Elementary School
Sarah Coughter
571-369-7161
Oak Street Elementary School
Robin Borum
571-419-7741
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
Colleen Hoover
(703) 248-5624
Meridian High School
Samantha Daniels
571-419-1127
How to Give Help
If you would like to donate to help families in our community, we suggest donating funds because food banks can stretch food dollars further by purchasing food through wholesalers.
FCEF Family Assistance Fund All funds donated go directly to FCCPS families through School Social Workers.
Donate food or funds to Food for Others and Falls Church Community Service Council, local organizations that serve Falls Church families and others in the region.