EIN: 84-2182585
Mission Statement
Build a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector that provides a fair, healthy, sustainable food system for all Arlingtonians.
Program Summary
Plot Against Hunger: The Plot Against Hunger program is the only program in Arlington County whose sole mission is to grow fresh produce for Arlington residents in need. Through this program, we support over 100 Arlington gardens and gardeners who donate fresh produce weekly to local food pantries and pantries. Our gleaning program mobilizes volunteers to collect excess farm produce to prevent food waste and fight hunger. In addition to the network of gardens and gleaning, this program includes public education and engagement. Examples include seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick-Off event.
Urban Garden Partnerships: FOUA creates partnerships across public, private, civic, and non-profit communities to transform and enhance urban spaces to produce food. Two notable projects arethe HUG (Highland Urban Garden) project in the Aurora Highlands neighborhood involving several civic organizations, and the Terborgh Urban Garden located in the Donaldson Run neighborhood in collaboration with Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
Public Policy: FOUA supports public policies that support urban agriculture entrepreneurs, support farmers’ markets, encourage developers to include urban agricultural elements, and institutionalize support of public school programs and curriculum.
Community Engagement: FOUA raises awareness of urban agriculture through educational, outreach, and social events such as October Urban Agriculture Month events and our annual Golden Radish Award. Our seed and seedling giveaways, Central Library Garden Talks, and a Spring Garden Kick Off provide all kinds of interaction and information sharing. FOUA has engaged hundreds of new and experienced gardeners to volunteer in private and community gardens, gleaning at farms, and packaging and distributing of produce to local food pantries. We receive multiple inquiries each week from school groups, private employer groups, and individuals looking to serve their neighbors in a fun, active, and meaningful way.
Impact Statement
FOUA believes that a resilient, community-driven urban agriculture sector drives improvements in public health, fights hunger and food insecurity, boosts economic health, and addresses environmental challenges, including stormwater management and heat stress. Through our programs, volunteers.
In 2024, our growers and garden teams harvested and donated more than 64,000 pounds of fresh produce (valued at $122,252) to Arlington food banks and pantries! We’re still harvesting and gleaning for 2025.
What ways can the public get involved?
The public can volunteer in our community gardens, grow produce at home for donation, glean at local farms, support our farmers markets, and urban farmers.
How are charitable dollars spent? Where does my donation go?
Your donation helps us provide the vital inputs gardens need to grow each season: seeds and seedlings, soil amendments, tools, and volunteers.
Information provided November 2025