Arlington County Council of PTAs (CCPTA) today announced the official launch of Fill the Break: The 2026 Arlington CCPTA Food Security Challenge. Running from September 16 through December 12, 2026, this countywide initiative aims to bridge the nutrition gap for Arlington Public Schools (APS) students during weekends, holidays, snow days, and extended school breaks when school-provided meals are unavailable.
To seed the effort, CCPTA membership has directly committed $2,000 from its central fund. Through the “Fill the Break” campaign, CCPTA is inviting local families, neighborhood businesses, civic organizations, and community members to match – and exceed – this initial investment.
The fundraiser incorporates a friendly competition between APS school PTAs – the one that raises the most money will win an award, as will the school PTA that earns the most individual donations!
All funds raised through the campaign directly support the newly established CCPTA Fill the Break Food Security Grant Fund. Member PTA and PTSAs across Arlington will be eligible to apply for micro-grants to finance localized food initiatives, such as emergency “Snow Day Packs,” weekend pantry drives, and grocery gift card distributions. Make sure to select your school’s PTA to receive credit for your donation, whether you donate online or by check!
Donations may be made online at https://www.givebacks.com/causes/arlington-ccpta/campaigns/arlingtonccpta
Checks may be mailed to: Arlington CCPTA, Attn: Food Security, 2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA 22204
*Please write the name of the APS school PTA you want to get credit on the memo line