ABOUT US
Neighbors helping neighbors since 1983.
A community-powered nonprofit feeding Fauquier County with dignity and kindness.
Our Story
Serving Fauquier County since 1983
Founded in 1983 and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since 2000, Fauquier FISH serves families, children, and seniors across Fauquier County by providing food, meals, and school supplies. Through programs that promote health, dignity, and stability, Fauquier FISH helps neighbors move forward while offering meaningful opportunities for volunteers to give back.
Our small team of three paid staff, led by Executive Director Charity Furness, works alongside more than 300 active volunteers, the heart and soul of Fauquier FISH. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier Fauquier.
At a Glance
1983
Serving Fauquier County
2000
Became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
300
Active volunteers
5,300+
Individuals served each year across all programs
Our Journey
A few of the moments that shaped FISH.
1983
Neighbors start helping neighbors
FISH, which originally stood for For Immediate Sympathetic Help, begins as a church-based food closet serving neighbors across Fauquier County.
2000
Becoming a nonprofit
FISH becomes a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity.
2014
Growing to meet the need
New programs, including Weekend Power Pack and Senior Nutrition, extend our reach to students and seniors across the county.
2015
A nutrition-focused pantry
FISH transforms its food bank into a nutrition-focused food pantry, guided by DASH (Delicious. Affordable. Simple. Health.), our approach to practical, healthy meals.
2023
A home with room to grow
For decades, our Food Pantry operated from an 800 sq. ft. trailer on Pelham Street, while Weekend Power Pack outgrew a trailer at P.B. Smith Elementary and moved to a separate space on Franklin Street. In 2023, FISH moved into a 5,500 sq. ft. building in Warrenton, bringing all of our programs under one roof and greatly expanding our storage for fresh and shelf-stable food.
Our Leadership
Led by neighbors who care
“Every family who walks through our doors is our neighbor. Our job is to make sure they leave with good food and feeling respected.”
Charity Furness, Executive Director
FISH is guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors who bring a range of skills and a shared commitment to improving the quality of life for everyone in Fauquier County.
Our Mission
Fauquier FISH feeds our neighbors, inspires hope, supports those in need, and promotes health to strengthen our community through dignity and kindness.
Our Vision
We envision Fauquier County as a place where no one goes hungry and anyone in need has a place to turn.
How We Serve
What sets our approach apart.
Nutrition First
More than groceries: We believe a visit to FISH should help answer a simple question: What’s for dinner? Our DASH approach guides the food in all of our programs.
Dignity & Respect
Our client-choice pantry lets people choose the foods that work for their households, and volunteers are there to answer questions and share helpful information.
Community Together
Scouts, school Interact clubs, local companies, and families volunteer side by side, passing the practice of giving on to the next generation.
Our approach to food
What’s for dinner?
We believe a visit to FISH should help answer that simple question. That’s why every one of our food programs is guided by DASH.
Delicious
Food that people enjoy eating.
Affordable
Meals that recognize the financial realities of everyday households.
Simple
Practical foods and meals that can be prepared without complicated instructions or extensive resources.
Health
Food choices that support well-being and balanced nutrition.
Neighbors helping neighbors with kindness and respect, just as we would want to be treated in a time of need.
— Our mission in action
Our Impact, Together
2,261
neighbors served at the Food Pantry in 2025
1,603
students received book bags & school supplies in 2026
488
students receive Weekend Power Pack bags each week
179
seniors receive groceries each month
Latest available figures, updated November 2026.
There’s a place for you at FISH.
Whether you give your time, make a donation, or simply spread the word, you help build a stronger, healthier community.
