Welcome to Families4Families!
Our Story
In March 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Marshall family launched Families4Families (F4F) in response to the urgent food crisis unfolding in their community. What began as a grassroots effort—gathering groceries in their driveway with neighbors and friends and delivering them directly to families in need—quickly grew into something far bigger. Within months, thousands of people across the DMV had adopted their model, turning a family project into a real movement.
As summer ended and students returned to school and parents to work, the Marshall family saw an opportunity to reimagine the model. Leadership shifted to students and moved the heart of F4F onto school campuses. What they realized was powerful: they had created a platform that gave young people ownership to make change. This wasn’t a parent-led initiative or a one-off community service project—it was something students could build, lead, and make their own.
Through F4F Student Clubs, students have the chance to create meaningful impact while developing real-world leadership skills. From recruiting peers and organizing drives to speaking publicly and partnering with local nonprofits, students gain confidence, build community, and see firsthand how their efforts make a difference. And because each club operates throughout the school year, it provides consistent and long-term service opportunities that grow with the students who lead them.
The mission of F4F is simple but powerful: Families4Families mobilizes students to address the critical needs in their communities. F4F’s unique model connects young leaders with grassroots organizations to collect food and other essential items for families in need—empowering youth and communities through collaboration and service. F4F’s national team—including Executive Director, Gracie McElroy, and Program Manager, Pate Falter—is here to guide and support students every step of the way. From the Playbook to one-on-one mentoring, they’re committed to helping students succeed.
Today, F4F has hundreds of Student Clubs across the country, over 9,000 student volunteers, and has delivered almost 1.5 million meals to families in need. But this is just the beginning. F4F is helping to foster the next generation of change makers and young leaders who care deeply, act boldly, and show up for their communities.
The Marshall family in March 2020, collecting Bags of Basics in their driveway.