Fall 2026

Fresh News

FROM

Fall at Arlington EATS

Over the past year, thousands of our neighbors turned to Arlington EATS for fresh, healthy food, hundreds of volunteers showed up week after week, and our community continued to come together around a shared belief that everyone in Arlington should have reliable access to the food they need.

Heading into the fall season, I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, especially at a time when the need remains elevated.

I hope you’ll take a moment to read through this newsletter, learn more about our impact, and see what’s happening at Arlington EATS in the months ahead. And I hope we’ll see many of you at our 3rd annual Turkey Trot on November 8th!

Thank you, as always, for being part of the Arlington EATS community.

Andi Doane, Executive Director

Join Us for the 3rd Annual Turkey Trot 5K!

Sunday November 8, 2026
8:00 AM
Ed Burns Arena

Join Us

The Arlington EATS Turkey Trot is back! Join friends and neighbors for this fun fall tradition that brings our community together in support of food access in Arlington.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, pushing a stroller, or really there for the after-party (😉), we hope you will join us. Every registration helps Arlington EATS provide fresh, healthy food to our neighbors throughout the year.

Can’t make it to the event? You can still support a participant or make a general donation!

Why I Trot

“I run the Turkey Trot because it is an excellent way to bond with my son and teach him about hunger in Arlington."

- Dawn

“I believe supporting our community is one of the best investments you can make. The Turkey Trot is such a fun event, and it’s also a reminder that when we show up together, we’re helping our neighbors put food on the table. It’s one of those rare events where you leave feeling energized in every sense.”

- Anna

“I volunteer with Arlington EATS as a Shift Leader twice a week, and my mind is blown by both the need we see in Arlington, and by the fresh, nutritious food that EATS provides for so many. I stepped out of my comfort zone and let my friends know about the Turkey Trot and how important the Arlington EATS mission is to me. I was amazed by the outpouring of generosity. People really do want to help — they just need an opportunity to make a difference. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!”

- Mary

Reflecting on the SNAP Crisis, One Year Later

Nearly one year ago, disruptions to SNAP benefits brought an unprecedented surge of neighbors to Arlington EATS. We responded quickly to make sure families across our community could continue to put food on the table.

A year later, demand has declined from the height of the crisis — but still remains well above where it was before. Many neighbors who first came to Arlington EATS during the SNAP crisis continue to rely on us today, as the cost of food, housing, healthcare, and other basic needs leaves little room in already-tight household budgets.

What began as an emergency response has become our new normal. While SNAP benefits were restored after the government shutdown ended in late 2025, subsequent federal policy changes have created additional barriers. Stricter work requirements and changes to eligibility for some immigrants are taking effect gradually as households apply for or renew their SNAP benefits. For families already struggling with the cost of basic needs, losing SNAP — sometimes unexpectedly — can be devastating.

Arlington EATS continues to grow in response:

550 households turn to Arlington EATS for groceries each week
Our new Mini Market at Drake Village brings fresh food directly to residents of Arlington’s largest income-qualified housing community, including older adults and people with disabilities, bring food access straight to the homefront
We are on track to distribute $50,000 in Fresh Bucks, helping SNAP households purchase fresh produce at the Arlington Farmers’ Market
100 Arlington households receive family-friendly groceries through our School Vacation Lunch Program at times when school meals are unavailable… along with providing thousands of snacks through Arlington Public Schools during the school year!

The SNAP crisis showed just how quickly changes to federal benefits can produce real consequences for Arlington households. What has not changed: When residents need groceries, they know they can turn to Arlington EATS.

Impact Summary: FY2026

Food

Over 1 million pounds of of food distributed =
900,000 meals on neighbors’ tables

Guests

3,445 neighbors served

31,000 visits to EATS’ programs

Volunteers

21,000 volunteer hours

200 volunteer shifts/week

Around Arlington EATS

Fall produce is here!

The Arlington Farmers’ Market continues every Wednesday through October at Russell Commons, Wednesdays from 2:00-6:30 pm. SNAP and HIP are widely accepted, and Arlington EATS’ Fresh Bucks provide an additional weekly SNAP match!

In the inspiring words of an Arlington EATS guest:

“I started shopping at Arlington EATS in 2024 when I was facing some big changes in my living situation alongside increasing cost of living. Shopping at Arlington EATS allowed me to start to build a financial safety net… Arlington EATS has allowed me to overcome the stigma around seeking support for food security.”

Join us for a free Hunger Action Month community event!

Arlington EATS, True Story Theater, and Food Link invite you to join us on September 24 at 6:30 pm at the Robbins Library for an evening of stories exploring hunger in our communities near and far, and the ways people are working to make a difference.