Greetings!

Fall is officially here, and with it comes a season of gathering, giving, and looking ahead. At Manna, this month has been filled with moments that remind me why community is at the heart of everything we do.

We had so much to celebrate at last month’s Heroes Against Hunger event, which was our most successful yet. It was an honor to recognize the incredible people and partners whose generosity helps power our mission every day. Thank you to everyone who joined us, the energy in the room was a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together.

That same spirit of community was on full display through Harvest Against Hunger. Seventeen area synagogues came together during the High Holidays for a friendly food and funds drive, helping ensure neighbors across Montgomery County have access to nutritious food. Congratulations to Temple Beth Ami on this year’s win, and thank you to every congregation that participated.

As schools settle into the new year, I’m especially proud of the growth in our monthly markets. With four new sites this school year, we are now reaching families through 16 school-based markets and offering more variety each month, including fresh items that bring comfort and familiarity to the table. It is a meaningful step forward in making healthy food more accessible where families already are.



Partnership remains central to our work. Whether through Food as Medicine education at Arcola Elementary or the Montgomery County Food Justice Coalition’s first year of community-led advocacy, we are building more than food access... we are building connections, knowledge, and a stronger voice for our neighbors.

There are plenty of ways to join us this month. Bring a non-perishable donation to our Trunk or Treat food drive with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue, take a look at the Heroes Against Hunger photo album, or reach out to host a food and funds drive with your congregation, workplace, or community group.

As always, thank you for standing with Manna and the thousands of neighbors we serve. Your support helps make every market, every lesson, and every moment of connection possible. Here’s to a season of gratitude, generosity, and continued growth for our community and for all.

With Gratitude,

Craig Rice

CEO, Manna Food Center

Harvest Against Hunger Success!

Food Collection at Temple Emmanuel in Kensington, MD.

Manna Food Center’s annual Harvest Against Hunger campaign united 17 area synagogues in a friendly food and funds drive during the High Holidays, from Yom Kippur through Sukkot. Thank you to every congregation that participated, and congratulations to Temple Beth Ami, this year’s winner, for helping ensure neighbors across Montgomery County have access to nutritious food. Bender JCC also hosted additional collection dates, extending the campaign’s reach.

The whole campaign brought in nearly $80,000 and nearly 20,000 lbs of food, both more than last year!

Want your congregation to give back through a food and funds drive? You don’t have to wait until next year. Call Manna at 301-424-1130 to set one up today!

Heroes Against Hunger Memories

Last month, Manna hosted its most successful Heroes Against Hunger event yet! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a joyful, meaningful celebration.

Together, we honored extraordinary heroes whose leadership and generosity strengthen our community and move us closer to a future without hunger. Your presence, energy, and support made the evening truly special—and reminded us what’s possible when neighbors come together around a shared purpose.



We’re excited to keep the celebration going! View the event photo album at the link below.

Costumes, Candy, & Community Service

Join us for a night of costumes, candy, public safety, and family fun!

This year, we’re partnering with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue for a community food drive Trunk or Treat! Bring a non-perishable food donation and help support our neighbors right here in Montgomery County. 

Friday, October 30 | 4–8 p.m.

Public Safety Headquarters,

100 Edison Dr.

Gaithersburg MD 20878



Donations are encouraged but not required.

Community, Connection & Food as Medicine!

Arcola Elementary School has been part of our School Based Program, using Giant Food gift cards. Today, we had the pleasure of bringing our Food as Medicine education to the school with a workshop focused on the important role nutrition can play in managing chronic illness.  

We had a wonderful bilingual group of adults who helped create a warm and welcoming space where everyone could share their experiences, ask questions, and learn from one another. 



It was such a joy to serve Arcola and connect with our neighbors by sharing knowledge, resources, and practical tools to support healthier families. We're grateful for the opportunity to continue building meaningful partnerships through food, education, and service.

1st Anniversary of the Food Justice Coalition

Earlier this month, the Montgomery County Food Justice Coalition celebrated its first anniversary. A partnership of Manna Food Center, Shepherd’s Table, and IMPACT Silver Spring, the Coalition brings together community members and food-assistance providers to organize for a county where food is accessible, affordable, and community-led.

At the celebration, members voted to finalize advocacy priorities for the year ahead—including stronger support for children and adults with disabilities, expanded food education, more space for pantries and community gardens, and improved access to fresh and hot foods through SNAP and other nutrition programs. We can’t wait to see what exciting work they do in year 2!

Back to School is Here

School is back in session and our monthly markets have started up again! We’ve added 4 new market sites for the 26-27 school year – bringing the total to 16 markets! With this growth we’ve also expanded our food selection to offer 15 items each month, now including food like citrus, garlic, and herbs to flavor families dishes and add that dose of comfort and familiarity. 



Manna is set to run 138 markets during this school year, with more to take place in the summer months.

Recipe: Plantain Soup

A little taste of tradition! 🍌💛 Continue celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by adding plantain soup to your recipe rotation. Our Food as Medicine team is sharing this warm and yummy soup perfect for the cooler fall weather.