Nov 11, 2026 · 5 min read · Arlington
How Can an Arlington Family Get AFAC Holiday Groceries in 2026?
How can an Arlington family get holiday groceries from AFAC for Thanksgiving week?
Pre-registered Arlington homeowners get a whole chicken with their usual groceries the week of November 16 to 21, 2026. AFAC services need a referral, a photo ID, and proof of an Arlington address.
The Mike Webb Team (Mike and Claudia Webb, RE/MAX Allegiance) helps homeowners in Arlington, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC get their homes ready to sell and sold.
What is AFAC?
The Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit at 2708 S. Nelson St. in Arlington. Its stated mission is to feed neighbors in need by providing dignified access to nutritious supplemental groceries. AFAC says it distributes more than 92,000 pounds of donated food to more than 4,000 people a week. Source: AFAC, Donate Food.
Who can get groceries from AFAC?
AFAC provides supplemental groceries to Arlington County residents who cannot afford to buy enough food. Its grocery services are offered every week of the year. You must live in Arlington and get a referral. Source: AFAC, Get Groceries.
How do I get a referral?
AFAC lists three paths:
- Most people go in person to the Department of Human Services Customer Service Center, 2100 Washington Blvd., first floor, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone is 703-228-1300.
- If you are 60 or older, call the Arlington Area Agency on Aging at 703-228-1700.
- If you have a child in Arlington Public Schools, contact the school's social worker.
What do I bring?
One photo ID and one proof of your Arlington address, with the same name on both. A lease or mortgage statement, or a recent utility bill, can show your address. PO boxes and business addresses are not accepted. Once you are enrolled, AFAC says to bring the documents to AFAC to receive a barcode card, which you show for weekly groceries.
How long does a referral last?
AFAC says referrals last 6 months. At the end of 6 months, contact your case worker to renew. If your referral has run out, check on it before the holiday week so it does not hold you up.
What are the holiday chickens?
AFAC gives one whole chicken the week before Thanksgiving and one the week before Christmas to each pre-registered Arlington family, in addition to the usual groceries. The dates for 2026 are November 16 to 21 and December 14 to 19. Each chicken weighs 5 to 7 pounds and is handed out frozen. Chickens are not available to walk-ins without a referral. AFAC's page also links to a guide on how to defrost and prepare a whole chicken. Source: AFAC, Holiday Chickens.
What is in the usual weekly groceries?
AFAC's posted menu includes a choice of protein (chicken, ground beef, fish, or hot dogs), a choice of cereal or oatmeal, a choice of canned goods, and a choice of rice, pasta, or dry beans. AFAC says it buys about 70% of the food it distributes to keep it fresh and available, and the rest comes from grocery stores and community food drives. Menu items may change based on availability.
How can neighbors help?
AFAC takes food donations at 2708 S. Nelson St., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It says holiday hours may differ. Its most needed items are low-sugar, low-sodium canned fruit, tuna, soups, vegetables and tomatoes, peanut butter in plastic jars, and cereal. For the holiday season, it also asks for sugar, flour, cooking oil, and coffee.
AFAC weighs each donation and gives you a receipt at drop-off. It says donated food is valued at $1.97 per pound for tax purposes, and gifts of 100 pounds or more get a thank-you letter by mail. Ask your tax professional how that applies to you. Libraries and other spots also take donations. We have run food drives for AFAC, and we are glad to help neighbors help neighbors. We are not part of AFAC. Read How to Donate Food in Arlington, VA (AFAC) and How Can I Donate Coats and Warm Clothes in Arlington?.
What should I do before the holiday week?
- Confirm your referral is still active. Referrals last 6 months.
- Gather one photo ID and one proof of Arlington address with the same name on both.
- Check afac.org for holiday hours, since they may differ.
- Remember that AFAC closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
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FAQ
Is AFAC open on Thanksgiving Day?
No. AFAC's holiday page lists Thanksgiving Day as a closed day, along with Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Can I pick up a chicken without a referral?
No. AFAC says whole chickens are not available to walk-ins without a referral.
Where do I find the latest hours?
Check afac.org before you go, since holiday hours may differ.
Call or text Claudia at 703-350-3884 or visit claudiawebb.com.
The Mike Webb Team, RE/MAX Allegiance. Arlington, Virginia. Equal Housing Opportunity.