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 2020 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 Against Hunger 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. Contact us at plotagainsthunger@arlingtonurbanag.org.

Join the Plot Against Hunger Facebook Group!

Over 8,200 pounds donated at Rock Spring Church!
And over 20,000 pounds gleaned from local farms!*

There are thousands of pounds of winter squash to be gleaned this fall!
It's a great team-building volunteer opportunity!

* As of October 18, 2021

Gardeners can donate produce at Rock Spring Church (5010 Little Falls Road) where produce will be bagged and distributed to local food pantries. 2021 dates & hours: May - July Mondays, 1-3pm, and August - October Mondays & Thursdays 1-3pm. Click here for details. Click here to volunteer!

Seedlings are distributed to Plot gardens in the spring. Puwen Lee is coordinating the distribution of seedlings. Email plotagainsthunger@arlingtonurbanag.org if you have seedlings to donate or are in need of seedlings.

Arlington Virginia Cooperative Extension and Plot Against Hunger distribute donated seeds to Plot gardens, community gardens, and other gardeners in the spring. Email plotagainsthunger@arlingtonurbanag.org if you need seeds. We still have a limited supply.

Click on the image for a list of resources for gardeners. View our How To Garden videos.

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