Greetings from the end of another short February! It’s times like these that I’m reminded how quickly time moves and how important it is to set aside time for gratitude. Manna is able to pursue our mission thanks to the time and energy of our neighbors that are also working to end hunger in Montgomery County. Each spring, we show our gratitude for special partners by hosting the Heroes Against Hunger Awards, where we highlight folks whose efforts contributed in unique and inspiring ways to advance toward the vision of #FoodForAll. The time of recognition has come again! I’m so pleased to share with you this year's heroes and tell you a little about them.
Community Hero: The Food Security Task Force
The Montgomery County Food Security Task Force was created in response to the pandemic, and is composed of dedicated partners of the “food systems” world, government agencies, generous individual donors, and members of the not-for-profit community. The FSTF aims for a “whole community” approach to tackling hunger within Montgomery County. Through the coordination of funds allotted by Montgomery County and the private sector, the FSTF has guided investments into many branches of the food system with the aim of addressing the Covid emergency and charting a course toward recovery. Thank you Food Security Task Force.
Individual Hero: Aman Shergill
Aman is a dedicated community activist and member of the Guru Gobind Singh Foundation who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering willingness to serve families in Montgomery County. Through the preparation and delivery of meals, home delivery of food staples and produce, and weekly grab and go distributions powered by the efforts of her faith community, Aman has led the way for service to more than 600 Montgomery County families each week. Thank you Aman.
Corporate Hero: Peterson Companies
Peterson Companies has been a dedicated partner with Manna Food Center for several years. Peterson has supported Manna by sponsoring Community Food Rescue events like our Food Recovery Week activities, and conducting foods and funds drives with local businesses around the county. The company is dedicated to ensuring healthy outcomes in Montgomery County, where their employees and business partners live and work. Thank you Peterson Companies.
I hope you will join me on April 27 to salute these heroes.
Meanwhile, read on to learn about other exciting news: In honor of Black History month, AmeriCorps Volunteer, Magnisha Casseus, guided a Breaking Bread conversation on the persisting legacies of slavery and how it affects our modern food system. Also be sure to check out WTOP’s recent feature highlighting the collaborative Farm-to-Food Bank Program and other news.
However you spend the last few days of this short month, take a minute for gratitude.
