Local groups help feed 400 families in fifth annual food rally

Contributed by StarKist, Feed the Children

StarKist employees were among the 50 volunteers who helped deliver food and supplies to families. Photo contributed by StarKist

About 400 Northern Virginia families received food and household supplies during the Fifth Annual Summer Food & Resource Rally held at Floris United Methodist Church in Herndon. The event was organized by StarKist, Feed the Children, Cornerstones and Flo- ris United Methodist Church to help families experiencing food insecurity.

Volunteers distributed 400 family kits containing StarKist products, 25-pound boxes of shelf-stable food, 15-pound boxes of household and personal care items, Avon products and information about community resources. Organizers said each kit was designed to support a family of four, providing the equivalent of more than 8,300 meals.

More than 50 volunteers, including StarKist employees, community advocates, business leaders and elected officials, participated in the event. The rally is part of an on-

going partnership among the organizations to address food insecurity and connect families with essential resources.

"For families facing hunger and hardship, every moment matters — and every meal matters," said Emily Callahan, president and CEO of Feed the Children. "Together with StarKist and

community partners like Cornerstones, we can put food and essential resources directly into the hands of the families who need them most."

Cornerstones, a nonprofit serving Northern Virginia since 1970, provides housing, food assistance and other support services to individuals and families experiencing hardship.