Manna’s COVID-19 Response
Manna continues to serve our neighbors who are food insecure during these uncertain times. To account for social distancing needs and a surge in food requests related to COVID-19, we have modified and scaled our services, offering food in different formats and locations.
Because of the economic disaster, we have waived income requirements for our services. All Montgomery County residents are eligible for our services. While we are grateful for the support of public funding, Manna is an independent not-for-profit organization where all are welcome. We are also proud to be a leading voice for Food for All in our community, and we are partnering with the MoCo Food Council to make sure everyone has the food resources they need.
COVID-19 Updates
July 15, 2020: Manna continues to distribute food every day to neighbors in need at drive-thru satellite sites across the county. As our home delivery pilot program expands, we are seeking more food runners to meet the increasing demand. Please click here if you are interested in volunteering.
May 27, 2020: Manna has expanded on our Stay Put Pack home delivery program to include fresh produce and frozen meat. Read more about this ambitious effort, made possible by our awesome CFR volunteers!
May 11th, 2020: If you don’t have a bank account currently, in order to get the stimulus check THIS YEAR, you must open an account by May 13, 2020. For help, and to learn how to remotely open a bank account, visit the FDIC’s information page.
April 23rd, 2020: Manna Food Center will now provide Weekend Food Bags to 11 sites throughout the county, where MCPS partners will distribute to families with kids every Friday, from 11am-1pm.
March 31st, 2020
Governor Hogan issued a stay-at-home order, effective 03/30 at 8 p.m. Critical service providers, such as Manna Food Center, are exempt from these orders as these services are needed now, more than ever before. Manna’s volunteers are exempt from this order as they are a critical part of our operations.
March 23, 2020
MCPS is now providing meals for children 18 years old and younger, and all MCPS students (regardless of age) at more than 40 sites (including mobile locations) throughout the county. Additionally, MCPS school buses will distribute meals in several communities.
March 20, 2020
MCPS Meal Distribution Sites Expanded, Partners with Manna to distribute weekend Smart Sacks throughout the county.
March 19, 2020
Manna is now accepting donations of hand sanitizer, as well as offers from local businesses who may wish to sell excess hand sanitizer.
March 18, 2020
Manna is temporarily waiving income requirements to provide food to any Montgomery County resident impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
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.
- Staff & volunteers will be wearing face coverings and gloves; they will be available to assist with carrying food to your car only on an as-needed basis.
Additional Resources
- For help ensuring you receive your stimulus check, visit the FDIC’s information page. If you don’t have a bank account currently, in order to get the stimulus check THIS YEAR, you must open an account by May 13, 2020.
- For victims of domestic violence:
- Family Justice Center offers help with safety planning, protective orders, legal assistance, counseling. Call 240-773-0444 or email safe@montgomerycountymd.gov
- Montgomery County Crisis Center offers help with crisis situations, and shelter placement. Call 240-777-4000.
- For help with your SNAP application, please call Maryland Hunger Solutions at 1-866-821-5552
- Expensify is offering up to $50 reimbursement for families who make SNAP grocery purchases
- Free Senior Call Check: A daily call to verify your well-being, at a time scheduled at your convenience. Register today or tell a loved one about this program.
- Free Online 6 Weeks to Wellness Course with Giant
- Local Grocery Stores and National Store Chains in Montgomery County To Offer Special “Seniors-Only” Shopping Hours
- MCPS Grab & Go School Meal Sites are offered in targeted locations across the county.
- Mental Health Support: EveryMind offers free support to help us all manage the stress of this difficult situation.
- Updates from Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services for guidance from local officials.
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in joining the team of front-line humanitarians. We are currently in special need of volunteer food runners to make no-contact home deliveries. Sign up for this and other volunteer opportunities by visiting this webpage and following the instructions.