A Time to Shine a Light on Service

Notes from the CEO – Jackie DeCarlo

Traditionally our February e-newsletter is a time to shine a light on the service that happened in honor of Dr. King’s birthday the previous month. This year is no exception. Stalwart volunteers-from high school students to Members of Congress-braved bitterly cold weather while helping us collect 28,542 pounds of food from 20 Giant Food stores. On MLK Day itself, with the support of our friends at Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, we participated in the County’s Day of Service and prepared 768 boxes of food boxes for neighbors with special health concerns. I want to send a big THANK YOU to all those who volunteered, shopped, or packed boxes.

Another January story was, of course, how Manna Food Center responded to the longest running Federal government shutdown in U.S. history. By waiving the income eligibility requirements for the families of Federal workers, contractors, and others negatively impacted by the shutdown, we were able to share good food in welcoming spaces to 748 neighbors. We did this, while maintaining our usual Food for Families and Smart Sack programs and activating the Community Food Rescue volunteer network. Manna couldn’t have responded as consistently and abundantly as we did without generous donations of food and funds.  Even though the shutdown is over, our waiver is still in effect as families recover.

The shutdown is a teachable moment for all of us. Last month, Forbes reported that 78% of U.S. workers are living paycheck to paycheck. Missing a paycheck can mean not making the rent, defaulting on a car loan, or ruining credit by skipping a utility payment. Manna helps prevent financial emergencies by offering Montgomery County families groceries at no-cost. We are confident that we will rise to any challenge ahead. As advocates as well as service providers, we are now redoubling our efforts to help the community understand that even when the government is working as it should, a health crisis, marital difficulties, or other stressors can put a household into a tail-spin.

There are many ways that you can be involved in helping our community rebound from the shutdown and prepare for what’s next. Attend our Advocacy Task Force on February 19, visit our Breaking Bread potluck on February 20, or donate online. The Montgomery County community responded with generosity during the shutdown, and Manna Food Center will keep sharing food, building skills, and creating connections day in and day out, with your help.

Sincerely,

Jackie