Greetings!

Winter has made its presence known here in Montgomery County, and like many of you, we have struggled with the icy roads. Please keep an eye on our website and social media for weather-related closures and updates - your safety, and the safety of our team and volunteers, is always our top priority.

Despite the winter challenges, your support continues to keep our mission strong. Thanks to you, Manna is now serving more than 10,000 families each month, up from about 6,600 just a few months ago. One exciting outcome of that growth: our Church of the Redeemer distribution site in Gaithersburg has now become a permanent part of Manna’s network! This expansion helps us reach even more neighbors during a season when need is highest.

As a golfer myself, all this winter chill has me daydreaming about spring—and more importantly, about the first Manna Open Golf Tournament this April! Sponsorships and foursomes are filling up fast, so if you’d like to join us for a great day on the green for a great cause, now’s the time to sign up.

January also brought a chance for meaningful reflection at our Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Food In Justice” event in partnership with Montgomery College Rockville. It was inspiring to connect with community leaders and residents to explore how Dr. King’s legacy continues to shape the local food justice movement.

Looking ahead, we’re proud to share that Community Food Rescue (CFR)—a program Manna has operated since 2012—has officially transitioned to the Montgomery County Food Council. As the county builds out new infrastructure to reduce food waste and expand food recovery, we’re honored that CFR’s decade of work laid a strong foundation for this next chapter of collaboration to feed more and waste less.

Finally, if you know someone making a difference in the fight against hunger, please take a moment to nominate them for a Heroes Against Hunger Award. We’re accepting nominations for individuals, community organizations, and corporate partners who embody the spirit of service that keeps this movement alive.

Thank you, as always, for being at the heart of all we do. Whether you volunteer, donate, or simply spread the word, your support keeps Montgomery County moving toward a hunger-free future.

With gratitude,

Craig Rice

CEO, Manna Food Center

New Permanent Distribution Location

We’re excited to share that Manna now offers food assistance at the Church of the Redeemer in Gaithersburg!

If you or someone you know could use support, simply mention this location when calling Manna’s referral office at (301) 424-1130.



Our team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm

Call by 12:00 pm the day before your pickup so we can have your order ready.

Manna's Inaugural Golf Tournament

Dreaming of getting back on the course and ready to play for a good cause? The Manna Open is coming up!

April 27, 2026 at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland

Sponsorships and Foursomes are now available but the deadline to sign up is March 10th so don't hesitate!

For more information: please contact Michele Levy at michele@mannafood.org, or call/text: 301-578-5471

MLK Jr. Day Event

This year, Manna honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Food In Justice, an interactive event held with Montgomery College Rockville. The day invited community members to reflect on food justice through Dr. King’s legacy and take part in engaging activities led by Council President Craig and Natali Fani-González. We’re grateful to our 70+ participants, partners, and sponsors, including the Black Ministers Conference, Feast & Fettle, and Montgomery College, joining us in the movement toward a more just, food-secure Montgomery County.

Thanks to our CFR Volunteers❤️

After more than a decade of incredible teamwork, Community Food Rescue (CFR) is stepping into a new chapter under new leadership! Since its start, CFR has built a countywide network connecting food businesses with organizations that feed our neighbors in need, and none of it would have been possible without our amazing volunteers.

Thanks to their dedication, over 18 million pounds of food were saved from going to waste. Together, you’ve shown what “feeding more and wasting less” truly means.

Heroes Against Hunger

Call for Nominations

Nominations are now open for our 2026 Heroes Against Hunger Awards! This annual event celebrates outstanding individuals, corporations, and community organizations making a significant impact in the fight against hunger in our community.   

Nomination Deadline: February 28th, 2026 

We encourage self-nominations and multiple nominations- don't miss this opportunity to celebrate those taking action! To nominate your heroes, please visit our online nomination form. 

Holiday Closure & Inclement Weather Policy 

Manna will be closed Monday, February 16th for Presidents Day.  

With winter comes the chance of inclement weather closings. Manna follows the Montgomery County Government decisions around weather-based delays and closures – which will also be posted on our website and social media!