About Us

Since 1973, the mission of the Emergency Food Network has been to provide food for three days of balanced meals, on the same day requested, to individuals and families in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. We operate on an honor system, providing food to people who call our office, without financial requirements or forms to fill out.

As we have grown over the years, we have expanded our core operation to support many local nonprofits who have food insecure clients so that these organizations can better focus on their core missions. We have Special Partnerships with over fifteen local nonprofits. We work in creative ways to meet the varying needs of these nonprofits. Some examples include supplying grocery gift cards, food in bulk, and meal support.

We have a working board of 23 people, and a network of over 100 volunteers who keep our operations running smoothly. We have one part-time paid office manager. There are few organizations with a structure like ours. Over many years, we have continued to serve Charlottesville and Albemarle – and it has worked for us. We have grown and increased our positive impact on this community.

We receive no government funding; our operation depends exclusively on the generous support of individuals, schools, businesses, area churches, and civic groups. Because our operating expenses are minimal, approximately 90 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to program services.