Countywide

Affording groceries, already a challenge for many households in the D.C. region, could become an even greater obstacle next month for thousands of Fairfax County residents with the suspension of federal food benefits.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, is expected to pause payments at the end of next week unless Congress and President Donald Trump resolve the budget standoff that has closed the federal government since Oct. 1.


Around Town

Efforts to expand Bunnyman Brewing‘s footprint at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton are officially on the move.

DrinkLocal LLC, which operates Bunnyman Brewing, has received approval for a lease to control a second storefront across from its existing bar, bringing another dining option to the campus.


Around Town

A Reston storefront is the latest expansion target for a local brand offering Argentinian cuisine.

Empanadas de Mendoza, a stalwart at Fairfax-area farmers markets, is moving into a recently-vacated space in North Point Village Center.


Around Town

A New York City food hall venture is slated to open its two latest D.C.-area locations in Fairfax County later this month.

Wonder, which describes its food halls as a one-stop shop to conquer any craving, will soon begin serving diners in Franconia on Oct. 23 and in Reston on Oct. 30.


Countywide

More than one in four Fairfax County households meets the definition of “food-insecure,” and that figure is likely to rise in coming months as the full impacts of federal worker and funding cuts materialize.

“More challenging times are ahead,” Hilary Salmon, senior director of marketing and communications for Capital Area Food Bank, predicted when briefing board members of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) yesterday (Wednesday).


Around Town

Fairfax County is losing Taste of NoVA to Prince William County, a consequence of the federal government shutdown stretching into a second week.

The food festival was set to unfold this weekend (Oct. 11-12) at the National Museum of the U.S. Army in Fort Belvoir, which has been closed since Oct. 1 with all events canceled as long as the shutdown continues.


Around Town

A new Indian restaurant will open its doors in Reston Town Center next week.

Masti, the newest venture from the owners of Indochen, is scheduled to open next Wednesday, Oct. 8, the restaurant announced.


News

A long-anticipated donut shop is still planning to open in Merrifield’s Mosaic District after an eviction scare threatened its future.

The Salty, which announced last year that it will take over the space at 2905 District Avenue vacated by Loyal Companion, is still expected to open in the future, co-owner Andy Rodriguez told FFXnow.


Around Town

Starting today, diners in Fairfax City will have a fast-casual seafood option added to their range of local restaurants.

California Fish Grill Casual Kitchen will officially open its doors at 11048 Main Street, making it the third addition to Fairfax City’s Kamp Washington shopping center since the beginning of August.


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