WHEREAS, in 2013, the Arlington Food Assistance Center will mark its 25th anniversary of working to alleviate hunger; and

WHEREAS, although Arlington County is the third wealthiest county in the United States, many residents, including the disabled, elderly, unemployed, underemployed, and homeless students in Arlington Public Schools, do not have enough food to feed themselves; and

WHEREAS, a recent survey of Arlington County residents found that more than four in 10 individuals making $60,000 or less annually experience food insecurity; and

WHEREAS, in early 1988, the Arlington Food Assistance Center began when a small group of concerned citizens pooled their resources to found an organization whose sole purpose was to alleviate hunger; it was soon joined by six congregations, all of whom operated food pantries serving small groups of families; and

WHEREAS, at the time of its founding, the Arlington Food Assistance Center served approximately 200 families a week; the number of families now being served weekly has grown to exceed 1,500, almost 4,500 individuals; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington Food Assistance Center distributes food from 16 sites, which has expanded its reach throughout the county; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington Food Assistance Center seeks to lower the incidence of hunger in the community by distributing over three million pounds of fresh vegetables and fruit, meat, eggs, milk, bread, and other groceries annually; and

WHEREAS, the Arlington Food Assistance Center is now the largest food bank serving Arlington County, and the Arlington Food Assistance Center is the only organization in Arlington County solely dedicated to alleviating hunger; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Arlington Food Assistance Center on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Arlington Food Assistance Center as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration and respect for the organization's commitment to helping those in need.