Dear Manna,

The cold has been melting away and a world of green is bursting forth here in Montgomery County, telling us one thing – Spring is here! The Earth is waking back up, reenergized and busy and so are we at Manna. In my first two months as your new CEO, I have witnessed firsthand all the different ways Manna is in the community and the partnerships we value to get our work done.

I have also been talking to many journalists and our local elected leaders, sharing how these uncertain times we have entered are affecting us at Manna, our partner food providers and the Montgomery County community at large. Find and read all these stories linked down below.

When food prices are on the rise, it is more important than ever to learn how to reduce your food waste. Good news! We have a whole week of events coming up all about that! Join us April 7th- April 13th for a wide variety of fun, and mostly free events all around the DMV during Food Waste Prevention Week!

My team has also been hard at work planning our annual Heroes Against Hunger Awards! This is one of our favorite nights to come together and honor 3 leaders who embody what it means to fight hunger in our county. It is a great night and a great chance to meet and mingle with other partners in this space as well as friends who, just like you, simply care about fighting hunger. Tickets are available so grab yours today at the link below and join us! Want to make even more of an impact? Sponsor a table as a Friend of Manna! I can’t wait to see everyone there.

As we kick off National Volunteer Month, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to all our amazing volunteers. I've had the chance to chat with some of you recently, and I'm truly humbled by your dedication and commitment.

It's clear that Manna couldn't do what we do without your support, and we're grateful to have you as part of our team. Thanks again for all that you do!

With gratitude,

Craig Rice

CEO, Manna Food Center

PS: One of my favorite things about the new season is eating more fresh foods. Looking for some inspiration? Our Community Food Education team has created two delicious spring recipes – available down below.

Food Waste Prevention Week - April 7-13th

Manna’s Community Food Rescue network, the DC Food Recovery Working Group, the Montgomery County Food Council, and Food Rescue US - DC have joined forces to host a week of free, in-person and virtual events to show metro DC residents easy things they can do at home — and ways to support community efforts — to reduce food waste and increase food security in our region. DMV Food Waste Prevention Week events will take place from April 6 through April 13.

Check out dmvfoodrecoveryweek.org for a full list of events and how to register! We hope to see you at some events!

ICYMI - Manna in the News

Manna was in the news a lot this past month. Check the wide array of links below to read and watch these stories – covering everything from responses to impacts of federal on farmers, to our SNAP challenge down below. =

‘Blindsided’: Manna Food Center sounds alarm over impact of Trump’s food aid cuts.

McClain Delaney listens to concerns about local programs during visit to Gaithersburg center.

Bethesda Magazine

Could you survive on $6 a day in food? Montgomery County invites all to the SNAP Challenge

That's the average daily spending for millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

WJLA - ABC7

'My Heart is Heavy': Rep. McClain Delaney Denounces Government Cuts.

The Trump Administration’s recent cuts to several programs concerning food insecurity could find Manna Food Center in Gaithersburg with at least 100,000 fewer dollars and an ever-increasing waitlist for people requesting services.

My MCMedia

Montgomery County food bank faces fresh produce challenge amid USDA cuts.

The cancellation of two United States Department of Agriculture programs means $1 billion in cuts to food banks and schools. It's a major concern for one Montgomery County organization that aims to help hungry families.

WUSA9