The Need

Montgomery County (MC) is an expensive county to live in. This worsens the difficulties of the working poor and homeless. The major drivers of food insecurity are: 1) the protracted and uneven economic effects of the pandemic; 2) the roll-back of pandemic-era government assistance programs; and 3) record-setting levels of inflation and/or higher than usual prices for housing, food and groceries. (Source: Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Report 2023).

A 50$ donation provides 33 hot meal for our guests.

$33,280 – gross annual salary of minimum wage earner in Montgomery County for 2023 ($16/hour)

After increasing by 9.9% in 2022, the national average annual price of food is projected to increase an additional 5.8% in 2023. USDA Food Price Outlook, 2023 and 2024

77,780 – estimated number residents in Montgomery County who are classified “food insecure” meaning unreliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food. This figure includes an estimated 33,000 children, more than in any other Maryland county.

According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2023:
- 32% of the region’s population do not know where their next meal is coming from;
- Approximately half of Black and Hispanic households experience food insecurity;
- 42% of food insecure households include children.

According to St. Martin food distribution in Gaithersburg, MD for the week ending October 16, 2023, they served 398 families -- yet another 30-year record for a non-holiday distribution. They have served over 300 families every week since early July 2023.

The Need

A 50$ donation provides 33 hot meal for our guests.

$33,280 – gross annual salary of minimum wage earner in Montgomery County for 2023 ($16/hour)

After increasing by 9.9% in 2022, the national average annual price of food is projected to increase an additional 5.8% in 2023. USDA Food Price Outlook, 2023 and 2024

77,780 – estimated number residents in Montgomery County who are classified “food insecure” meaning unreliable access to sufficient, affordable, nutritious food. This figure includes an estimated 33,000 children, more than in any other Maryland county.

According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2023: - 32% of the region’s population do not know where their next meal is coming from; - Approximately half of Black and Hispanic households experience food insecurity; - 42% of food insecure households include children.

According to St. Martin food distribution in Gaithersburg, MD for the week ending October 16, 2023, they served 398 families -- yet another 30-year record for a non-holiday distribution. They have served over 300 families every week since early July 2023.

According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2023:
- 32% of the region’s population do not know where their next meal is coming from;
- Approximately half of Black and Hispanic households experience food insecurity;
- 42% of food insecure households include children.