Manna’s COVID-19 Response

We’re into the second year of the pandemic and even while vaccines signal hope, the economic fallout from this crisis will last for many months, if not years. Thanks to our tremendous community of supporters, Manna will be here for the long haul to serve our neighbors who have been furloughed, laid off, or are unable to find work in an economy weakened by COVID.

Our amazing staff and volunteers have stayed safe and continued serving throughout the pandemic. We quickly pivoted, adapted our services, and built valuable partnerships to help us respond in the face of food insecurity that has nearly doubled since the pandemic began. Because of our generous donors and the spirit of collaboration among faith groups, county leaders, and fellow nonprofits, we’ve been able to:

Waive income requirements and double our pre-pandemic food distribution at drive-through locations throughout Montgomery County.
Purchase more food, including culturally-diverse fresh fruits and vegetables that our participants want.
Partner with MCPS when schools closed, to distribute thousands of weekend bags each week.
Home-deliver groceries to thousands of seniors and families who face high COVID risks or transportation barriers.
Fund a multicultural community liaison initiative to formalize our partnerships with trusted leaders within Latino, African Immigrant, and African American communities where food insecurity is highest. These partnerships are generating referrals to Manna services and providing feedback from community members about how Manna can improve our processes.
Provide food to smaller non-profit partners for dozens of pop-up food distribution events across the county.
Hire additional community outreach staff to help hundreds of neighbors apply for SNAP benefits.

You can hear more about how our team has responded to the pandemic — just click here to listen to a conversation between our CEO, Jackie DeCarlo, and local business leader Carrie Fox on her podcast, Mission Forward.

As we yearn for a future beyond the grip of the virus, we will continue striving to create a community where all people, at all times, have access to safe, nutritious, affordable food.

If You Need Food Support

Call 301-424-1130 to make an appointment by 3 PM the day before you want to pick up. Right now eligibility for food remains at every 30 days. As of 03/18, Manna Food Center (Manna) is temporarily waiving income requirements to provide food to any Montgomery County resident impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Visit our food distribution page to see updated site locations & schedules.

Please prepare for and expect these temporary changes to promote safety and create space for social distancing.

Safety: Please help us promote your safety and that of your neighbors, our staff, and volunteers.

You may be asked to select a one-hour pick-up appointment time, to allow us to spread food pick-ups across the distribution time and avoid large gatherings.
Most food distributions will be held outside, to maximize open spaces.
When you arrive please hold up, not hand, your ID to a Manna staff or volunteer.
The Manna staff or volunteer will sign their name on your behalf. No need to touch a pen or hold a clipboard.
All food will be pre-packed, to enable you to pick up and go when it is your turn. We always do our best to ensure the packages are as consistent as possible, with a healthy mix of fresh, frozen and shelf-stable foods.
Surfaces will be disinfected regularly.

Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

Thousands of community members have made financial or food donations to help Manna serve our neighbors during this challenging time. We are grateful to everyone who has stepped up during the pandemic, including the government, corporate, and foundation sponsors listed below.