Annandale Mission Center | Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts
Barbara “Barb” Pearson is a driving force behind food access and community support in the Braddock District. As the leader of the Annandale Mission Center’s food distribution program, she oversees an operation that provides supplemental groceries to more than 320 families, over 1,000 community members, each week. Over the past five years, Barb has transformed the program to better meet the needs of a diverse and growing population.
In response to evolving community needs, Barb implemented a client-choice model that allows individuals and families to select foods aligned with their dietary, cultural, and health needs, preserving dignity while reducing waste. She has strengthened partnerships to increase in-kind donations, bringing the program under budget while expanding the volume and variety of food distributed. Her leadership also established a robust logistics system that significantly increased access to frozen foods and protein sources.
In 2025, Barb led a comprehensive client survey to better understand community needs. The results were so impactful that FACETS adopted the findings in place of conducting a separate countywide survey. Today, the program ensures consistent access to fresh bread, produce, milk, and culturally appropriate foods for a highly diverse client base.
Barb coordinates more than 60 volunteers each week, managing the collection, transport, and distribution of nearly 390,000 pounds of food annually, equivalent to approximately 320,000 meals. Her work directly supports a community where many families face food insecurity and limited financial resources.
Beyond the Mission Center, Barb volunteers at Wolf Trap, assisting in concert and supporting event safety. Through her tireless leadership, Barb strengthens both immediate support systems and long-term community resilience.
“It is rare to find an individual whose dedication so completely spans the pillars of our community. By providing 1,300 hours of service this past year, Ms. Barbara Pearson has been crucial in ensuring that our constituents that live in the vicinity of the Annandale Mission Center receive food assistance through their pantry. She has also enriched our culture at Wolf Trap. The Braddock District is honored to have Ms. Pearson as a constituent, proving that one person’s commitment can truly sustain an entire community. We honor you for your time and commitment to serving your fellow constituents!”
– Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer