Greetings!

The back-to-school season is in full swing here in Montgomery County, and while routines may be shifting, one thing remains constant: hunger doesn’t take a break. Thanks to this incredible community that never stops showing up, Manna has been busy making sure neighbors don’t go hungry as the days get busier.

Our Bingo Night on August 8 was a joyful reminder of the power of community. Friends from every corner of the county came together for an evening filled with laughter, good food, and a little friendly competition — all raising critical funds to fight hunger. It was truly inspiring to see families, seniors, nonprofit leaders, and neighbors united for such an important cause.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to invite you to the 3rd Annual Paddle for a Purpose pickleball tournament hosted by BF Saul Insurance on October 17 at Dill Dinkers in North Bethesda. Each swing of the paddle brings food to the tables of families in need. Grab a partner, join the fun, and help us feed Montgomery County.

This summer, community partnerships shone brightly. With the help of Coca-Cola Consolidated, Monster Energy, local elected officials, and dedicated volunteers, we packed 500 weekend food bags, including 100 sent directly to the Watkins Mill neighborhood. These moments remind us that when we come together, we can accomplish big things.

And for a burst of back-to-school inspiration, our Community Food Education team has created a colorful and nutritious Southwest Pasta Salad recipe — easy to make for busy days and budget-friendly too. Give it a try and be sure to tag us with your creations!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being the backbone of this mission. Whether donating, volunteering, sharing our story, or simply cheering us on, your support ensures no one in Montgomery County starts their day hungry.

With deep gratitude,

Craig Rice

CEO, Manna Food Center

Bingo Night Fun Supporting Manna 🎉 

Bingo Night on August 8 was a huge success! Our community came together for an evening of friendly competition, great food, and big laughs—all while raising funds to fight hunger and feed hope here in Montgomery County. 

A huge thank you to our wonderful co-hosts—Rachel Needle and Jason Zamoiski from Atlantic Coast Mortgage, Audrey Romano from Compass, and Colleen Gallagher from KVS Title, LLC—for supporting Manna’s mission. We’re also grateful to Pinstripes for hosting this special evening! 



From families and seniors to nonprofit leaders and board members, it was inspiring to see so many different parts of our community gathered for a good cause. Together, we’re making a difference for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Paddle for a Purpose!

🎾 Grab your paddle—the countdown is on! Our partners at BF Saul Insurance are hosting the 3rd Annual Paddle for a Purpose pickleball tournament on October 17 at Dill Dinkers – North Bethesda. 

This fun-filled day of competition and community connection directly benefits Manna Food Center’s mission to end hunger in Montgomery County. Every player and every match helps put more food on the tables of neighbors who need it most. 

Thank You, Coca-Cola Consolidated! 

On July 31, Manna teamed up with Coca-Cola Consolidated, Monster Energy, local elected officials, and amazing volunteers to pack 500 weekend bags—100 of which went straight to the Watkins Mill community. 

We’re so grateful to everyone who came out on a hot summer morning to lend a hand, including Delegate W. Gregory Wims, Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, and representatives from the offices of Delegates Jared Solomon, Aaron Kaufman, and Councilmember Andrew Friedson. 

Together, we proved once again that community partnerships make big things possible—thank you for helping us fight food insecurity! 

In Memoriam: Rev. Lon Dring 

Manna Food Center mourns the passing of Rev. Lon Dring, whose visionary leadership transformed a small food voucher program into what is now Manna Food Center. As Executive Director of Community Ministry of Montgomery County, Rev. Dring championed hunger relief, laying the foundation for Manna’s work feeding neighbors across Montgomery County. His passion and commitment to ending food insecurity are at the heart of Manna’s mission and the service we provide today. Rev. Dring’s unwavering advocacy built the networks that sustain us, and his legacy of compassion and community will continue to inspire all we do. 

Do you have a will?

Your will is more than a document. It’s an essential way to ensure your loved ones are cared for. It outlines your hopes for the future. And, if you choose, it can also be a way to continue feeding the future by helping families in Montgomery County access nutritious food far into the future. 



This free tool from our partner FreeWill makes the process easy and accessible, enabling you to make or update your will in about 20 minutes. And while there’s no obligation to include a gift to Manna, many neighbors choose to do so as a way of making their impact last for generations to come! Because even as food costs rise—now $75 per family each month!—community generosity allows us to meet the moment with dignity, flexibility, and care. 

Southwest Pasta Salad

This month, our community food education team is excited to share a dish that’s as colorful as it is satisfying—our Southwest Pasta Salad! Packed with fresh vegetables, hearty beans, and a flavorful kick of seasoning, this recipe is a perfect example of how healthy eating can also be fun, vibrant, and budget-friendly. 🌽🧅🌶️