WHEREAS, for the last decade, the Dulles South Food Pantry has worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in southeastern Loudoun County by addressing food insecurity and offering critical support for individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry was established in 2014 to provide nutritious food, personal items, and life-changing services to the members of the rapidly growing community in southeastern Loudoun County; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry offers weekly food distribution services, and clients may visit the pantry by appointment up to two times per month to receive milk, eggs, meat, deli and dairy items, and fresh produce, along with nonperishable food and toiletry items; and

WHEREAS, in 2022, the Dulles South Food Pantry distributed more than 524,000 pounds of food through its weekly distribution program, serving 2,019 clients, almost half of whom were children or seniors; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry works with family liaisons at 19 local schools to provide weekend food support by providing more than 180 Backpack Buddies food bags per week to students in need; the organization also provides snacks for school counselors to make available for students; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry coordinates with Loudoun Volunteer Caregivers to provide food deliveries twice a month to homebound clients, including elderly or disabled members of the community and people living with critical illnesses; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry builds strong relationships with its clients and encourages self-sufficiency by connecting guests to a wide range of programs and resources; the organization works collaboratively with the Loudoun County Government and local nonprofits to provide assistance with medical care, rent and utilities, and other necessities, as well as lifelong learning opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Dulles South Food Pantry's tagline "Neighbors Feeding Neighbors" is representative of the fact that 89 percent of all food distributed through the organization is donated directly from local residents, faith groups, and community partners; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the vital support for the Loudoun County community, the Dulles South Food Pantry has fulfilled its mission through the hard work of its staff members and volunteers; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Dulles South Food Pantry hereby be commended on the occasion of its 10th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Dulles South Food Pantry as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for its contributions to the community.