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Pack Meals. Build Community. Make a Difference. 

For over 30 years, VolunteerFest has brought together hundreds of people each fall for a day of action, connection, and real impact in Northern Virginia. In 2025, we packed nearly 77,000 meals for our neighbors. This year, we are setting our sights even higher with a goal to pack 100,000 nutritious meals to help fight hunger in our community. The beneficiaries? Local Northern Virginia residents facing food insecurity.

The need is growing. The Capital Area Food Bank reports that nearly 1.5 million people in our region are food insecure (up 50% from this time last year), including men, women, and children of every age, race, and religion. 

How YOU can get involved:

  • If you are able to help fundraise to cover the cost of meals, we’ve created a toolkit to guide you through setting up a fundraising page along with useful sample communications. Get started now. A link to registration is included in the toolkit for fundraisers to save their spot to pack meals on Friday, September 18.
  • Not able to fundraise but want to make a donation? Every dollar helps us reach our $35,000 fundraising goal. If you are willing to help, donate here.

Putting some FUN into FUNdraising!

  • The first 100 people who donate or raise $100 in support of VolunteerFest will receive a $50 DoorDash gift card—so start giving and fundraising today!
  • Also, donating or raising $25 will earn you a commemorative grocery tote at the event. Every $10 donation provides up to 40 meals. To donate directly to the VolunteerFest fundraising campaign, CLICK HERE. 

 

Bring a Non-perishable Food Item to Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC Annandale Campus) on Friday, September 18, 2026

On the day of the event, we will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food to support NVCC’s Nighthawk Nest Food Pantry. The collection point will be located inside the Ernst Community Cultural Center’s lobby area. Even if you are not attending the meal-packing, please drive by and contribute what you can!

Most needed items for the Nighthawk Nest food pantries:

Ready-to-eat meals

  • Microwavable food
  • Just add water meals
  • Soups
  • Granola and protein bars
  • Snacks
  • Boxed/Individual juices
  • International and Cultural Foods
  • Vegan, Vegetarian, and Plant-Based Items
  • Baby Food

Non-Food Items

  • Toiletries (soap, deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, razors, toothbrush/paste)
  • Baby Diapers (all sizes)
  • Baby wipes
  • Sanitary napkins

Please note: We cannot accept food that is past expiration, opened or unlabeled items, homemade items, or cooked food.

 

Watch last year’s event recap below:

FAQ

Q. Do I need to register to pack meals?

A. Yes, registration is necessary to secure your spot, as there are a limited number of meal packing positions available per shift. 

Q. How can I be part of VolunteerFest without participating in meal packing?

A. Being part of the effort is easy. If you can’t join us to pack meals, please consider becoming a fundraiser, making a donation virtually or simply spread the word with friends and family.

Q. Must I raise funds to attend?

A. Fundraising is encouraged but not required to attend. Every dollar helps provide a meal for a neighbor, so we invite participants to create a fundraising page, even raising $1 helps us reach our goal of packing 100,000 meals.

Q. Are children allowed to participate in the meal packing project?

A. Yes, the project is family friendly. However, we recommend that children be at least 10 years old to fully participate. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please remember that all volunteers need to register for one of the two shifts and attend their assigned time.

Q. What should I wear?

A. Wear comfortable, casual clothing. If you are participating with a team, we recommend you dress in a way that shows your team spirit! Hats are not allowed; you will be provided with a hair and/or beard net. Closed-toe shoes are recommended. The facility will be temperature controlled. Jewelry is not allowed while packing meals. This includes earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, etc.; medical alert bracelets are permitted.

Q. What should I expect if I’m a meal-packer?

A. After checking in, use the handwashing or hand sanitizing stations provided.  You will receive a hair net and/or beard net. You will be given disposable gloves at your assigned meal pack station. Your team, led by a Table Captain, will work together to fill, seal, count, and box hundreds of multi-serving pouches of nutritious dry meals. The meal packing will last approximately 90 minutes which includes instructions.

Q. How can I cancel my registration?

A. To cancel your registration, please contact us at volsrus@volunteerfairfax.org and let us know if your plans have changed. We appreciate your assistance in canceling if you cannot attend, as we anticipate having a waitlist.

 

Note: All are welcome. When you register, please inform us of any special accommodations needed.

Interested in being a corporate supporter?

As a corporate supporter, you will have the ability to showcase your commitment to volunteerism in the community and provide your employees an opportunity to engage in local service projects. Contact John Woodstock, Director of Development & Corporate Relations at jwoodstock@volunteerfairfax.org to learn more.

A big THANK YOU to our Supporters

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