Power Packing: I-66 EMP Donates Time, $10K to Benefit Food For Others

66 Express Operator Helps Food Bank Prepare “Power Packs” for Local Kids

Fairfax, Va. September 6, 2024– Yesterday, at the warehouse operated by Northern Virginia food pantry Food For Others, employees and associates of I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), the builder and operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway packed a grand total of 660 Power Packs for the area’s school aged children.

The donation of time is in addition to I-66 EMP’s contribution of $10,000 to Food For Others, also made yesterday.

The Power Pack Program sends backpack meals home with students who, without their school-provided meals, do not get enough food on the weekends. Power Packs consist of two items each for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus two snacks and two healthy beverages. The program assists approximately 3,600 students at 52 schools throughout Fairfax County, helping them alleviate hunger over the weekend and return to school each Monday ready to learn. More about Food For Others’ Power Pack Program is at https://foodforothers.org/get-help/power-packs-for-kids.

“We talk about making a difference, and EMP’s donation of time and funding truly makes a significant difference for kids around Fairfax County,” said Deb Haynes, executive director of Food For Others. “The Power Pack Program is among our most impactful programs, so we’re pleased to receive this help from EMP. We consider the 66 Express Outside the Beltway to be one of our strongest partners.”

On-site packing of Power Packs for kids is the latest collaboration between Food For Others and I-66 EMP. In December 2022, the roadway operator collected nearly 600 pounds of food from a holiday food drive on behalf of Food For Others. In November 2023, I-66 EMP gave Food For Others $5,000 specifically earmarked for the Power Pack Program. Then I-66 EMP donated a heavy-duty 12.8-cubic-foot refrigerator to Food For Others in March 2024.

“It’s hard for a child to learn when they’re hungry. That’s why fighting against food insecurity among our area’s schoolchildren is crucial to our support of local public education and school readiness,” said Nancy Smith, corporate affairs director for I-66 EMP. “We enjoyed working with Food For Others to put together these Power Packs, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Food For Others for a long time to come.”

About Food For Others:

Based in Fairfax, Food For Others is one of the largest providers of emergency food assistance in Northern Virginia. The organization serves 2,600 families per week and distributes weekend meal packs to roughly 3,700 students weekly. Learn more about how to donate and how to get involved at www.FoodForOthers.org or by calling 703-207-9173.

About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway:
Part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Outside the Beltway program, the lanes of the 66 Express are a transformative 22.5-mile multi-modal mega-project featuring advanced dynamic-tolling systems to keep traffic flowing at all times. The lanes provide Northern Virginia commuters, businesses, and mass transit with a reliable option to move people, goods, and services throughout the I-66 corridor, allowing drivers to Sit Less, Live More. Visit www.Ride66Express.com to learn more, and keep up with the 66 Express on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About I-66 Express Mobility Partners:
I-66 Express Mobility Partners (EMP) is a consortium of leading infrastructure companies including Cintra, Meridiam, and APG. In public-private partnership (P3) with VDOT, I-66 EMP is contracted to operate the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066. Connect with I-66 EMP on LinkedIn.