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About the Food Council
Fairfax Food Council (FFC) was established by the Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax in 2015 with a vision of an equitable and sustainable food system where food is valued as a basic human right. Its mission is to advocate for an equitable local food system that produces and provides access to nutritious, sustainable, and affordable food for everyone.
- Through collaboration, we harness the strengths, voice and power of our members and of the community.
- Integrity provides the foundation for building trust and developing meaningful relationships within the Food Council and the Community.
- Through Belonging, we commit to working with the community to intentionally co-create spaces where all can be free to be their genuine and authentic self, and to co-create opportunities to transform our current food system.
- We value and honor everyone with dignity and respect.
- We value justice, knowing that an equitable and sustainable food system is not possible without addressing the structural forces responsible for our current disparities.
- We value a sustainable food system that considers future generations while delivering nutrition security for all, in a way that is economically viable, socially just, and environmentally sound.
- Equity drives our commitment to ensure that all people have access to what they need, where they are, with the ability to fully participate and thrive.
Fairfax Food Council Co-Chairs:
- Dawn Hyman, Fairfax County Park Authority, Asset Management Analyst III
- Matt Mulder, Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Director of Operations
Food Access & Literacy Work Group Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Jo Doumbia, Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions, Vice Chair
- Gillian Kimura, Capital Area Food Bank, Manager of Health Equity
- Amy Biestek, No Kid Hungry, Senior Program Manager
Urban Agriculture Work Group Co-Chairs:
- Casandra Lawson, Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture, Route 1 Community Farm Manager
- Amanda Tindall, Lawn to Table, Founder and Lead Grower
Policy Task Force Co-Chairs:
- Dr. Kerri LaCharite, George Mason University, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies Associate Professor
- Matthew Carlos, George Mason University, Higher Education PhD Student
Community Voice Task Force Co-Chairs:
- Loreann Grimes, Frontier Kitchen, General Manager
- Dawn Hyman, Fairfax County Park Authority, Asset Management Analyst III
News and Events
Food Council News and Events
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Food Access & Literacy Work Group
The Food Access & Literacy Work Group works collaboratively to develop innovative initiatives to increase the number of healthy food access points in the Fairfax community in the areas of highest need. The work group also facilitates collaborative initiatives to develop food literacy and nutrition education programming that is available and delivered through a variety of avenues.
Urban Agriculture Work Group
The Urban Agriculture Work Group supports local food production to improve the human, environmental and economic health of our community. The vision of the work group is a healthy, beautiful and equitable Fairfax County where fresh food is grown within walking distance of every kitchen.
Get Connected with the Food Council
Join a Work Group or Task Force
Get connected to Fairfax Food Council work groups and task forces.
Food Council Member Testimonials
Are you a member of a Food Council work group or task force? Share your experience!
Fairfax Food Council Newsletter
Sign up for the Fairfax Food Council Newsletter for updates about urban gardening, food access, and food literacy as well as activities and resources from around Fairfax County.
The Food Council Newsletter is found under the Health and Human Services section.
Read past newsletters: May 2024 | June 2024 | August 2024 | September 2024
Fight Hunger in Fairfax County
Fairfax County Food Resources
Local Food Donations
Fresh Produce Donations
Food Resources for Schools
Care to Share
Support food insecurity initiatives and learn how to start a food waste rescue program at Fairfax schools.
Learn more: Care to Share Toolkit Helps Address Food Insecurity.
Real Food for Real Change
Introduce students to fruits and vegetables, create positive experiences using activities and cooking and to help students understand the larger picture of the choices they make around our food consumption.
Community Food Assessment
The 2015 Community Food Assessment looks at the current status of access to healthy food. Information gathered is being used to develop and implement activities to promote increased accessibility and affordability of food in our community.