The federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is assisting Cornerstones in Reston in providing free meals to students and clients enrolled in two of the organization's community centers. For more than two decades, Cornerstones' Laurel Learning Center, 1484 Washington Plaza West, and Embry Rucker Community Shelter, 11975 Bowman Towne Drive, have ensured that children enrolled in the center and guests staying at the shelter receive hot, nutritious meals and snacks, said Margaret Anne Lara at Cornerstones.
According to Reston Connection, "Nonetheless, the ongoing pandemic demonstrates the frailty of the United States' health, economic, and social structures and those in Reston and Herndon. Cornerstones contribute to the wellness, healthy growth, and development of young children enrolled in Laurel Learning Center and families living in Embry Rucker shelter as designated Child and Adult Care Food federal program centers."
As per Reston Connection, "Every day, individuals experiencing homelessness who reside at Cornerstones' 70-bed Embry Rucker Community Shelter located at 11975 Bowman Towne Drive in Reston receive three hot meals and a snack, as well as individuals who are homeless and drop-in. Without the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program, they would have to fundraise, and the funds would be designated. "Normally, that's an additional $50K that we would have to account for, and that's just for Laurel," Lara said. "Remember, Embry Rucker is doing the same thing as well… But they are serving three meals a day plus a snack... Without this program, well over $100,000 would have to be dedicated," Lara added."
