Volunteer Fairfax will host VolunteerFest 2026 on Friday, September 18, bringing hundreds of volunteers, businesses, nonprofit partners, and community leaders together for a high-energy day of service focused on addressing food insecurity. Together, participants will pack 100,000 nutritious meals for neighbors facing hunger. The meals will be distributed by the Capital Area Food Bank to food pantries with the greatest need throughout Northern Virginia and the Greater Washington region.
According to the Capital Area Food Bank, nearly 1.5 million people in the region are experiencing food insecurity, making community efforts like VolunteerFest more important than ever. The event gives residents, companies, community organizations, and local leaders an opportunity to turn concern into direct action while raising awareness about hunger in the region.
There are three ways to support VolunteerFest: volunteer, fundraise, or donate.
Volunteer to pack meals
Volunteer Fairfax is seeking hundreds of volunteers to help pack the 100,000 meals during two service shifts. Registration is required, and space is limited. Meal-packing volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Volunteers will work side by side throughout the event to assemble and package nutritious meals that will ultimately reach neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Fundraise to Help Make 100,000 Meals Possible
Community members can also support VolunteerFest by helping Volunteer Fairfax reach its $35,000 fundraising goal, which will help cover the cost of the meals packed during the event. Individuals, workplaces, schools, businesses, and community groups can create an individual fundraising page, start a team, or join an existing team. Participants do not have to attend VolunteerFest to fundraise and make an impact.
As a thank-you, participants who donate or raise at least $25 will receive a commemorative insulated grocery tote at the event. The first 100 people who donate or raise $100 or more in support of VolunteerFest will receive a $50 DoorDash gift card.
Donate and Make an Immediate Impact
Those who would rather contribute directly can support the campaign without creating a fundraising page. Just $10 can help provide up to 40 meals for neighbors experiencing food insecurity, and every contribution brings Volunteer Fairfax closer to its goal of packing 100,000 meals.
In addition to the meal-packing project, VolunteerFest will feature a Community Fair with 30 local nonprofits and public agencies. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet organizations serving Northern Virginia and the surrounding region, learn about their programs and services, explore volunteer opportunities, and discover additional ways to stay involved in the community throughout the year.
VolunteerFest will also collect non-perishable food donations to support NOVA’s Nighthawk Nest Food Pantry. Volunteers can bring donations with them when checking in for their shift, and community members who are not participating in meal packing can also contribute on September 18. A list of the most needed items is available on the Volunteer Fairfax website.
VolunteerFest 2026 will take place at Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Virginia. The event will take place in two shifts: 8:30–10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Whether through volunteering, fundraising, donating, or connecting with local organizations at the Community Fair, VolunteerFest gives the community multiple ways to come together and help neighbors facing hunger. To register, donate, fundraise, or learn more about VolunteerFest 2026, visit VolunteerFest 2026.
