About Us
Fauquier FISH has been operating in Fauquier County since 1983, becoming a 501(c)(3)nonprofit tax exempt charity in 2000. The organization is led by a single paid staff member, our Executive Director Charity Furness, an exceptionally dedicated Board of Directors, and over 50 volunteers who embody FISH’s mission of ‘Neighbors helping neighbors with kindness and respect just as we would want to be treated in a time of need.’
To facilitate this mission, FISH provides a range of services to county residents. Programs include food pantry distribution, Book Bag School Supply drive, Weekend Power Pack meals for Fauquier County school children, Senior Meals, a Farmers Market Program, and holiday food baskets. Across all of these programs, FISH serves over 5,000 individuals annually.
FISH’s Board of Directors includes a combination of both newer members to the organization as well as seasoned volunteers. Each board member brings a unique skill set to the table and displays a dedication to improving the quality of life for all residents of Fauquier County.
Our nutrition focused food pantry committee has transformed the food bank and eliminate many of the highly processed, low nutrient foods typically distributed by food banks. Our volunteers package DASH (Delicious, Affordable, Simple and Healthy) meals that come with all the ingredients, meat, vegetables, and seasoning to make a satisfying meal for the family. Alternate menus help clients with certain medical conditions to focus on how healthy eating can have a positive effect and improve overall wellness. Every dollar that is donated to Fauquier FISH is stretched as far as it will go providing families with a week’s worth of food each time they visit the food pantry.
We provide educational information to our clients as well and sit with them to answer any questions they have while their grocery orders are being filled.
We provide volunteer opportunities for other community organizations such as school interact clubs, the Boy and Girl Scouts, and local companies. Our volunteers also regularly bring their children to help out at the Food Pantry and Weekend Power Pack, ensuring the practice of community giving is continued.
Our Mission
Neighbors helping neighbors with kindness and respect just as we would want to be treated in a time of need.
Our Vision
We envision Fauquier county as a place where no one goes hungry and anyone in need has a place to turn.
Our Core Principles
Feed: Alleviating hunger through nutritious food options and essential resources to individuals, families, children, and seniors facing food insecurity.
Inspire: Empowering those in need to strive for a brighter future through support, encouragement, and opportunities for personal and collective growth.
Support: Strengthening the overall fabric of our community by collaborating with others to provide compassionate assistance and advocacy to our community’s most vulnerable citizens.
Health: Promoting inclusive and equitable access to nutritious food while prioritizing physical, mental, and emotional well-being as integral components of a thriving community.