Charles Meng, CEO of Arlington Food Assistance Center receives Community Leader of the Year Award.
Charles Meng, CEO of Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), was presented the Community Leader of the Year Award by the Inter-Service Club Council at the Washington Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Jeff Englander, head of the Arlington Optimist Club, presented the award to Meng for Meng’s 17 years of service and his efforts in the community to spotlight the needs of those in financial distress. Englander pointed out that AFAC had served 600 families a week when it started and now it has expanded to a full blown logistical operation serving 4,000 a week.
Meng received a standing ovation from the packed crowd of community supporters and businesses and said afterwards, “It made me realize how much AFAC means to the community.”
Matt de Ferranti was present representing the Arlington County Board. He explained later, “I am honored and grateful to work with him. Charlie is a great leader. He is inclusive and fully committed to serving those in need.” De Ferranti adds, “His good data and detailed approach allowed us to give AFAC additional close out money from our 2024 County funds which is not typical for the Board.”
The Inter-Service Club Council of Arlington was founded in 1940 as a clearinghouse for service organizations. From its founding until 2022 it awarded an annual Man of the Year and a Woman of the Year Award. In 2023 they established the single Community Leader Award.
<1b>— Shirley Ruhe