Mission of Hunger Free Alexandria
Who We Are
Hunger Free Alexandria (HFA) is a coalition formed by local food providers, faith organizations, schools, social service agencies, and advocates dedicated to eradicating hunger. The initiative aims to strengthen our community while tackling food insecurity within our city.
What We Do
As many as 1 in 3 Alexandrians, disproportionately children, face food hardship in our city. Hunger Free Alexandria's mission is to coordinate community efforts to raise awareness of food insecurity and to increase reliable access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food in the City.
How We Contribute
We work to coordinate community efforts:
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Bring food providers together regularly to discuss needs, gaps, and redundancies.
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Serve as a hub for collection and dissemination of resources.
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Compile, update, and distribute City of Alexandria Food Assistance Resources.
We Raise Awareness of Food Insecurity:
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Provide daily updates on where to obtain free food.
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Curate community conversations about hunger.
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Advocate for local initiatives to reduce hunger.
Our Board
The Hunger Free Alexandria Board of Directors is made up of dedicated community leaders who share a passion for ensuring that every Alexandrian has reliable access to nutritious food. Bringing together a wide range of expertise, our board provides strategic guidance, financial oversight, and steadfast support for the organization's mission. Together with our community partners, they help shape the vision and leadership that drives Hunger Free Alexandria's work today and into the future.
President
William Schuyler
William serves on the Board of Catholic Charities, represents the Basilica of St. Mary at Alive! and as VP of the Old Town Civic Association. He also volunteers weekly at the Open Table program.
Vice President
DT Oliver
DT serves as Director of Data Analytics & Evaluation as well as Co-Chair of Alexandria’s Commission on Aging, recently helping finalize the city's Age Friendly Plan.
Treasurer
Rev. Thomas James
Thomas was the pastor at Washington Street UMC for nine years and established the Open Table Breakfast Ministry. He now offers financial management services to churches.
Board Member
Jennifer Ayres
Jenn serves as ALIVE!'s Executive Director since 2019, She is committed to ALIVE!'s mission of assisting neighbors through faith and love while raising awareness of food and housing insecurity in Alexandria.
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Board Member
Amy Barker
Amy distributed food and supplies through LDS Charities, developed education policy at the World Bank, and was a director of JustServe. She is a volunteer at the Grace Episcopal food pantry and founded the Mariposa Hope Network.
Immediate Past President
Bryan Perry
Bryan is a Senior Managing Director at FTI Consulting. He leads a congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Alexandria where he leads efforts on food insecurity.
Board Member
Harumi Reis-Reilly
Harumi is the Food Security Coordinator for the City. She has worked locally, nationally, and federally to advance food justice. Prior to joining the City, she served at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.