Spotlight: Arlington Food Assistance Center

Every day this week, Patch is profiling a local nonprofit agency. If there's a nonprofit that you think your neighbors need to know about, email Doug Tallman or Lauren Sausser.

Mission: "We are a community-based nonprofit that provides supplemental groceries to our Arlington neighbors in need.

Contact Information: Phone: (703) 845-8486; Fax: (703) 845-8491; Address: 2708 South Nelson St., Arlington; Website: www.afac.org

Financials: The 2011 fiscal year operating budget is approximately $5.1 million. More information about the organization's finances can be found in its audit report, available online.

History: According to this nonprofit's website, "Now over 20 years after its founding, the Arlington Food Assistance Center remains dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs."

How you can help: There are many ways you can help the Arlington Food Assistance Center. You can donate money online or through the mail. You can shop for groceries for the center through its virtual shopping cart - no trip to the store is needed. For more information about organizing a food drive or dropping off groceries on site, visit AFAC's website.