Your Support in Action!
In December alone, 51,418 lbs of food helped fill carts with 52.5 meals each. Together, we’re feeding hope!
At House of Mercy, our food pantry plays a critical role in providing families with the nourishment they need to thrive. Thanks to your support and generosity, we’re able to make a significant impact in the lives of many who rely on our services. The numbers below showcase just how powerful your contributions are and highlight the incredible difference we made together in December 2024.
The Power of Community Support
In December, we purchased 6,524 lbs of food and received an astounding 44,894 lbs of donated food. These donations, paired with your continued commitment to our mission, allowed us to provide 51,418 lbs of food to local families.
Each food cart, which typically weighs 50 lbs, helps us provide approximately 52.5 meals. By working together, we were able to fill over 1,000 carts with nourishing food, giving families access to healthy meals that sustain them through difficult times. But we didn’t stop there! Our work continues year-round, and the food pantry remains a lifeline for families across our community.
A Balanced Diet: Fresh & Non-Perishable Foods
In December, we distributed 31,173 lbs of fresh food, ensuring that families had access to nutritious produce, dairy, and proteins that help them maintain a balanced diet. Fresh food is essential in providing vital vitamins and minerals, which contribute to better health and well-being.
Additionally, 12,471 lbs of non-perishable foods such as canned goods, pasta, rice, and beans were distributed. These pantry staples are a critical part of a family’s food supply, providing long-lasting options for meals that can be stored for future use.
The Impact of Every Donation
It’s not just about the amount of food we distribute; it’s about the impact that food has on our community. In total, we provided $255,608.63 worth of food, helping families who might otherwise have gone without. Whether it’s a mother struggling to feed her children, an elderly couple on a fixed income, or someone who’s facing unexpected hardships, the support from our donors ensures that they receive the nourishment they need.
Additionally, we continue to partner with organizations such as the Greater DC Diaper Bank, which provided 20,000 diapers to our pantry in December. With 18,275 diapers given out, we are able to assist families with this essential item that many may not be able to afford. Diapers are often one of the most difficult expenses for low-income families, and your support helps make sure that babies and toddlers don’t go without this critical necessity.
A Look Ahead: Strong Partnerships & Community Support
Our partnerships continue to thrive and play an essential role in meeting the needs of the community. We’re proud to work with dedicated partners like Capital Area Food Bank, Amazon Fresh in Manassas, Panera in Gainesville, Sprouts in Manassas, DC Diaper Bank, and many others who provide regular deliveries to help us serve local families.
In addition, we are grateful for the generosity of community organizations that have made a tremendous impact. Buckland Mills Elementary organized a fantastic coat drive, donating 180 coats and other winter gear. Yorkshire Elementary held a successful food drive with a fun class competition, and SES hosted both a holiday food drive and a toy drive, spreading joy to many families.
As we continue to strengthen these relationships, we remain committed to finding new ways to support our community with food, diapers, and other essential resources. The unwavering generosity of our partners and local organizations helps ensure that we can continue meeting the growing needs of those we serve.
How You Can Help
Our food pantry relies on the generosity of people like you to continue providing food, diapers, and other essentials to families in need. There are many ways you can make a difference:
- Donate Food: Help us stock our pantry with much-needed items like canned goods, fresh produce, and personal care items.
- Host a Drive: Organize a food or diaper drive in your school, workplace, or community to support families in need. Learn more at our Ways to Give page.
- Volunteer: Spend time at the pantry assisting with food distribution, sorting donations, or helping with logistics.
- Make a Financial Contribution: Your financial gifts allow us to purchase additional food and meet the urgent needs of our families.
Your generosity brings hope and relief to individuals and families who rely on our pantry. Thank you for making a difference in our community!
With heartfelt gratitude
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we are feeding families and creating a stronger, healthier community. Your generosity is making a lasting difference, and we are deeply thankful for your partnership in this important mission.