Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Loudoun County is allocating $150,000 for emergency food assistance programs in response to the increased need caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Supervisors approved the funding to help local food assistance providers that serve Loudoun individuals and families. 

Local food banks are reporting a significant increase in the numbers of people who are seeking emergency food assistance; in some cases, double or triple the number of people asking for help prior to the outbreak of the new coronavirus. 

For example:

• Loudoun Hunger Relief reports spending $15,000 more per week above its normal weekly budget since the effects of the pandemic took hold. 
• The Dulles South Food Pantry reports serving 114 households a week, up from 86 households.
• The Tree of Life Center reports an increase from an average of 8 families to 42 per week. 
• LINK reports an increase from 20 families a week to 83 families a week.

In addition to approving the allocation of funds, the Board established criteria for organizations to be eligible for emergency funding. They must be:

• Located in Loudoun County. 
• A 501(c)(3) nonprofit or a religious institution.
• Provide food assistance on at least a bi-weekly basis to Loudoun residents. 
• Follow established federal food safety protocols.

Applicants also will be asked to supply documentation of the costs per client in addition to information about their typical service level prior to the pandemic and their current level of service.

The Board directed the Department of Finance and Budget to develop and oversee the process for qualifying food assistance sites to request funding and to ensure that there is equitable distribution of funding among the organizations. 

To apply, food assistance programs should complete and submit the online application.