FFN was founded to address a critical gap: while many programs focus on young children, middle and high school students also experience food insecurity. FFN works directly with public school systems to identify students in need and provides discreet, nutritious meals, so teens have consistent access to food when they need it most.

Through partnerships with over 50 middle school and high schools in Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties, they serve over 10,000 students each school year. Their model prioritizes nutritional value, reliability, and dignity, ensuring students receive balanced meals that support health and academic readiness. “By partnering with the schools who have direct access to the students, we are able to directly reach the kids who need our food immediately,” said Ms. Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of FFN. Consistent access to nutritious meals has been shown to improve student attendance, focus, behavior, and academic performance.

A cornerstone of their model is the Red Bag Program. Each year, FFN hosts five distribution events across Northern Virginia, where volunteers pack red bags with nutritious, shelf-stable, ready-to-eat foods. Coordinated efforts between drivers and onsite volunteers ensure these items-often totaling 20,000-30,000 pounds- are sorted, packed, and promptly delivered to partner schools. The red bags are then discreetly sent home with students, providing consistent access to food without requiring families to visit a pantry. Community and corporate volunteers play a vital role in sustaining this program.

Beyond providing these meals, FFN supports schools that lack the resources for a pantry program by helping establish the necessary infrastructure when budgets are tight, ensuring no student goes without access to food.

Another impactful initiative is the Grocery Gift Card Program, which provides the most vulnerable families the flexibility to shop for essential items, like fresh produce, and items that meet their religious, cultural, and situational needs. Gift cards are provided throughout the year, with increased support during the holiday season. During the 2025 holiday season, The Providencia Group donated the equivalent of 600 grocery gift cards to families across the region!

FFN is also embracing innovation with the launch of a new technology system designed to optimize food pick up routes and streamline logistics. “The time saved is unimaginable for an organization like ours,” Ms. Joseph shared. In addition to improving efficiency, the system will help reduce costs overtime, allowing them to reinvest more resources directly into serving students and families.

As Food for Neighbors approaches their ten-year milestone, they continue to make a meaningful impact against teen food insecurity. We are proud to stand alongside them as they nourish students and strengthen communities across Northern Virginia!