Plot Against Hunger

Arlington is fortunate to have a robust network of gardens that provide fresh produce to local food pantries called the Plot Against Hunger. In January 2021, the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) transferred ownership of its Plot Against Hunger program to the Arlington Friends of Urban Agriculture (FOUA). Since its inception in 2007, over 600,000 pounds of fresh produce has been donated to AFAC through the program.

Due to the pandemic, AFAC saw a significant increase in the number of clients needing food assistance and had to shift resources to focus on its core mission of providing free groceries to Arlington families in need. An ad hoc Plot Against Hunger steering committee was formed and, with assistance of FOUA, oversaw a successful gardening season, which distributed over 6,000 pounds of donated produce to food pantries in the area. Discussions between AFAC and FOUA led to an agreement to transition Plot Against Hunger to allow the program to continue its purpose and to grow.

AFAC is grateful to have sponsored and grown the Plot Against Hunger program for so many years, and looks forward to continuing its support as the program finds a new home with Friends of Urban Agriculture. FOUA plans to continue all aspects of the Plot Against Hunger program, especially supporting the gardens with connections to local food pantries, educational opportunities, technical assistance, supplies, and volunteers.

The Plot Program is a collaborative effort managed by FOUA that includes Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension, Marymount University, Master Gardeners, Master Food Volunteers, food pantries, and individual gardens and gardeners.

Gardeners can donate produce at Rock Spring Church (5020 Little Falls Road) May - October where produce will be bagged and distributed to local food pantries. 2021 dates & hours TBD.

[Note: As of April 15, 2020, Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) stopped accepting fresh produce donations until further notice.]

Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension and Plot Against Hunger distribute donated seeds to Plot gardens, community gardens, and other gardeners in the spring. Click here and on the image below to sign up for distributions.

• Gardening Kit Giveaway at Central Library: Monday, March 15 at 12:00pm – 2:00pm. The library will be offering a choice of 3 Sisters Kit (corn, beans, squash) or a Lettuce in Pots Kit for gardening in small spaces. First come, first served
• Gardening Demonstrations at Central Library: Saturday, March 20 9:30am - 11:30am at Central Library. More details will be posted soon.

Seedlings are distributed to Plot gardens in the spring. More details will be posted soon.

Kraus Farm is growing donated seedlings for Plot gardens. You can buy discounted plants to donate: https://www.krausfarmva.com/product-page/donate

Click on the image for a list of resources for gardeners.

Click on the image to learn what you can grow for local food pantries.