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Advocacy

Manna Food Center’s vision of “Food for All” in Montgomery County requires policy change. Our 4-pillar advocacy approach leads to broader access to healthy food, a more resilient food system and greater understanding and actions to address inequities contributing to hunger in our community.

Educate

our community about hunger and its solutions.

Amplify

voices and perspectives of community members we support.

Connect

with officials at all levels of government.

Collaborate

with organizations at the intersection of food justice, health and quality of life issues.

Two members of Manna's volunteer Advocacy Task Force

Manna’s volunteer Advocacy Task Force drives our advocacy efforts. The Advocacy Task Force is made up of community members who represent the diversity of our county. We prioritize the inclusion of people who have lived experience of poverty. For more information, contact advocacy@mannafood.org.

Advocacy in Action

Advocating for a Stronger SNAP Benefits Program

In June, Manna joined Maryland Hunger Solutions and 37 other organizations urging Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. John Sarbanes, Rep. David Trone and other MD congressional representatives to protect the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) from any cuts in the Farm Bill. The 2024 Farm Bill provides a key vehicle to strengthen SNAP and make it an even more effective food safety net for members of our community who struggle with lower incomes. 

Expanding County Resources to Fight Hunger

In May, Manna testified in support of the County Executive’s FY25 budget recommendations to continue providing food assistance through the consolidated service hubs, food staples program, new competitive grants and the Retail Food Access Program, emphasizing the need to invest in the budget requests of food assistance providers committed to ending childhood hunger. 

Manna representative testifying in support of the FT25 budget

Joining the White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities

In March, two Manna programs, Farm to Food Bank and Small Business Vouchers, were among 141 commitments recognized at a White House Challenge to End Hunger and Build Healthy Communities.

Ending Childhood Hunger in Montgomery County

In January, Manna’s Advocacy Task Force and the City of Gaithersburg honored Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by bringing community members, experts and elected officials together to discuss challenges and strategies for ending childhood hunger.

Leaders across all levels of government committed to advancing the goals of Montgomery County’s new Strategic Plan to End Childhood Hunger by continuing their efforts to champion program and policy solutions to make it easier for county residents to access nutritious, culturally appropriate food and to address underlying causes of food insecurity. 

“We have a 3-year-old and a child with autism who needs a lot of support, so I work as a full-time parent. The wages my husband earns in construction often aren’t enough to cover the cost of rent, food and other basic necessities in Montgomery County. The food support I receive from Manna, and free MCPS breakfasts and lunches, help us make sure our children start school with a full stomach, ready to learn. I want that for all children—that’s why I speak out.”

– Jennifer Rodriguez, mother of three, Manna participant and MLK childhood hunger roundtable panelist

Montgomery County map

Contact Your Representatives

Support Manna’s advocacy by reaching out to your County Council members. Let them know that fighting hunger in our community must be a priority, demonstrated by their commitment County resources and policy solutions that uplift our community members out of poverty. 

Manna is a member of the Montgomery County Food Council. Check out our joint advocacy priorities on the Food Council’s Policy Tracker

Manna’s Advocacy Newsletter

Keep up with Manna’s advocacy efforts by signing up to receive our Advocacy Newsletter.

Read past newsletters:

April 2024

Our Advocacy Partners

Strategic collaboration with amazing partners is at the heart of everything we do.

FRAC Food Research & Action Center
Reentry for All
MHP Making Home Possible
Maryland Hunger Solutions Ending hunger and promoting well-being
City of Gaithersburg logo
Montgomery County Food Council
Share Our Strength
Montgomery County Maryland
BCAN bladder cancer advocacy network
No Kid Hungry
Maryland Seal
the alliance to end hunger
Maryland Department-of Labor