Angela and her family of three are working hard to get by in Loudoun County. Her husband works in construction, but after paying rent and bills, there just isn’t enough left for the food they need to thrive.
Angela’s story is not unique. In Loudoun County—one of the wealthiest counties in the nation—nearly 1 in 4 households (24%) live below the ALICE threshold, which stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed; meaning they earn too much to qualify for public assistance, but not enough to afford the basic cost of living. Another 4.7% live below the federal poverty line—adding up to thousands of families who are one emergency away from financial crisis. These are families who are working, caregiving, contributing to the community, and still struggling to get by.
To help stretch their budget, Angela visits Loudoun Hunger Relief twice a month. She’s seen firsthand how food prices—and the cost of nearly everything—have gone up, even as their income stays the same.
With her infant safely buckled into her car seat, Angela loaded groceries into her trunk and shared how much she values the fresh fruits, vegetables, and milk her family receives.
“It means a lot for us,” Angela said. “It’s good food that this place provides for the people.”
At Loudoun Hunger Relief, we believe no family should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. That’s why we provide quality, nutritious groceries in a welcoming space—supporting families like Angela’s who are doing their best every day.
Every visit counts. Every family matters.
If you’d like to help families like Angela’s access fresh, healthy food, your support makes a real impact.
Click here to donate and support your neighbors in Loudoun County.
About ALICE
ALICE stands for Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed.
The ALICE population includes households that earn more than the Federal Poverty Level but still struggle to afford basic necessities like housing, child care, food, transportation, health care, and technology. ALICE workers keep our communities running—yet often can’t make ends meet themselves.
Sources:
United Way of Virginia’s 2023 ALICE Report
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (latest available data)
