Northern Virginia Food Rescue
Officially launched as NoVA-FR in 2021, the organization’s roots trace back to 2019, when it began as Prince William Food Rescue under Action in Community Through Service (ACTS). As the program grew and demand for food recovery expanded beyond a single county, ACTS supported the creation of NoVA-FR as an independent nonprofit, positioned to serve the broader region.
Today, NoVA-FR works with grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and other donors to identify excess food before it becomes waste. Rather than serving one neighborhood or population, NoVA-FR expands their reach by acting as a connector, distributing food to more than 130 direct service providers across Northern Virginia, including food pantries, schools, and churches. This expansive network allows rescued food to become meals right away.
“One thing I love about NoVA-FR is we cover all food groups – whether it’s prepackaged meals, fresh produce, fresh dairy, or proteins.” said Dr. Franco, Executive Director of NoVA-FR. “We’re able to meet everyone’s preferences, including dietary needs or personal or religious preferences. It’s important for us to know our partners and who they serve so we can give them the appropriate foods.”
Every successful rescue relies on consistency, quality, and timeliness. From pick up to delivery, NoVA-FR relies on clear standards, trained volunteers, and efficient logistics to ensure food arrives safely and on schedule. “Our Partner Relations Coordinator plays a critical role in building and sustaining relationships with our donors,” Dr. Franco explained. These trusted partnerships allow NoVA-FR to adapt to donor needs while maximizing the volume of food rescued and distributed.
A key driver of this coordination is the Food Rescue Hero app, which connects volunteers directly to rescue opportunities in real time. Through the app, volunteers can view available pickups, accept rescues that fit their schedule, and follow step-by-step instructions from donor to partners. This technology allows NoVA-FR to respond quickly and recover food while it is still fresh. “The app is very helpful for tracking data, communicating with our volunteers, and allowing for growth.” Dr. Franco added. “It allows flexibility for volunteers to help whenever their schedules allow.”
Beyond addressing food insecurity, NoVA-FR plays a vital role in environmental sustainability. Food waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions due to methane released as food decomposes in landfills, and rescuing surplus food significantly reduces that impact. The organization partners with local farmers and farmers’ markets to receive donations of fresh produce, and when funding allows, purchase food directly from them. By keeping food out of landfills, NoVA-FR feeds people and protects the planet.
The Providencia Group is proud to partner with Northern Virginia Food Rescue through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer days at the warehouse. Through our donations, NoVA-FR has rescued 208,000 pounds of food and distributed it to 51 nonprofit partners across the region – translating into nearly 175,000 meals for those facing food insecurity!
Looking ahead, NoVA-FR remains focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact through the region. “As we enter 2026, we are stronger than ever while grounded in collaboration, driven by purpose, and inspired by the collective impact we can achieve together.” said Dr. Franco. “We look forward to continuing to rescue surplus food, serving our neighbors in need, and protecting our environment in the year ahead. Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.”
