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April 2016
Newsletter
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Notes from the Executive Director
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| | Jackie & Cheryl with Aisha Salazar of AFAC |
Dear Manna supporter,
You know how we can tell it is spring here at Manna Food Center? Not the beautiful daffodils we see, nor the allergy related sneezes we hear. We know it is spring because there are so many incredible events happening in our community.
This weekend, the Community Food Rescue team participated in a national dialogue convened by our partners at Food Recovery Network. Our workshop "Is Food Recovery a False Solution to Ending Hunger?" drew more than two dozen students from around the country. We discussed whether or not using surplus food to feed those experiencing food insecurity was a band aid solution to a larger societal dilemma. It was inspiring to be with smart, young advocates.
We are going to be inspired again this Thursday, when we salute two heroes against hunger at our Annual Reception. Giant Food was present at the creation of Manna, 33 years ago, and have been a consistent and generous community partner deserving of Corporate Partner of the Year Award. Shondra Jenkins, of the Sodexo Foundation, was also a founding volunteer of our Goldberg Smart Sacks Award, and has helped Manna shape our strategies to end childhood hunger since 2005. Please join us this Thursday to celebrate the difference individuals and institutions can make together.
We are also looking forward to Montgomery Council Food Council meeting this Sunday, April 10, planning the merger of two working groups that Manna has been actively involved in: Food Access and Food Recovery. Consider joining us to chart a course to fight hunger collaboratively in Montgomery County
Also consider joining the East County Interfaith Community Food Summit, April 27, Wednesday, 5-9 PM. Manna couldn't do our work without the support of a variety of congregations and people of faith. We are eager for this summit to explore more ways to work together, such as our choice pantry hosted by Colesville Presbyterian Church, and discuss with County Executive Ike Leggett and other community leaders how to improve coordination among places of worship and peer agencies. For more information and to register, please contact Jewru Bandeh or Mark Hodge of Montgomery County government.
Please also read on to learn more about more happenings this season such as community Food Drives that are essential to keeping Manna shelves stocked year round. Thank you for participating in our work and I look forward to seeing you in the community soon.
Jackie DeCarlo
Executive Director
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Celebrating Heroes Against Hunger This Thursday
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Join Manna Food Center THIS Thursday from 5:30 - 8:00 PM
at VisArts in Rockville Town Square for a unique event honoring
leaders in our community who are making an impact
in the fight against hunger.
The Heroes Against Hunger Awards Reception will feature a social hour, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction & meaningful program.
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Did you know that the Spring and Summer months tend to be the slowest times of year for food donations? Unfortunately, the demand for food continues throughout the year. You can get involved to help Manna through participation in the following food drives... or plan your own with friends, family, co-workers or congregations!
April 23-24 & May 7-8: Montgomery County Muslim Foundation Food Drive
 April 24-30: Ride On's "Give & Ride" Food Drive
Ride On bus customers can contribute food for this drive on any Ride On bus during Give & Ride. Those who give a food donation get a free bus ride.
May 14: Save the Date for the 24th Annual Letter Carriers' "Stamp Out Hunger" Food Drive
Additional details to follow.
Want to organize your own food drive to benefit Manna? Check out some helpful tips and a list of most desired foods on our website.
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| Keeping Food Safe: Free Webinar |
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CFR's new Food Safety Information brochure offers concise tips on how to tell when food is safe to eat. Available in seven languages.
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Have you ever wondered whether you can eat something that is past the package date on the food you buy? How about that slightly dented can or bruised peach? What about the food in your refrigerator or freezer?
Join us on April 28th, from 2-3:30 pm EDT for the next Community Food Rescue (CFR) food safety session, now offered as a free webinar that you can attend from the comfort of your computer. The webinar is open to all who are interested in learning about the basics of food safety, including how to tell if food is safe to eat, and proper thawing, preparation, and storage techniques.
The webinar will highlight safe food handling for CFR volunteer food runners. Community Food Rescue relies on volunteer food runners to transport food from food businesses to food assistance organizations. We seek volunteers ages 18 and older, with a good driving record, who want to help reduce hunger and prevent food from going to waste. The webinar will show you how to sign up as a CFR volunteer food runner and what you need to know to handle and transport food safely.
Click HERE to register for this free webinar, and we will send you the link prior to April 28th. For questions, contact: Cheryl Kollin, cheryl@communityfoodrescue.org
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Submit Your Photos on April 22 to Support Manna
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Montgomery Community Media is preparing for its 4th annual, " A Day in the Life of Montgomery County," which is set for Friday, April 22. MCM invites local shutterbugs, professional and amateur photographers alike to help capture what your day is like in Montgomery County.For every photo or video MCM receives, the Slavin Family Foundation will donate $1 to Manna Food Center to help end hunger in our county.
Email your images and videos to pix@mymcmedia.org
or Tweet photos @mymcmedia #ditl. We welcome all photographs and videos. Use your mobile device or your best digital camera, it does not matter. Remember, the best camera you have is the one in your hand at the moment!
Rules Specific to "A Day in the Life of Montgomery County:" - All photos must be taken on April 22, from 12 a.m. until 11:59 p.m. within the borders of Montgomery County, Maryland.
- Entries must be submitted by noon Saturday, April 23.
- There is no limit on the number of photos a person can submit.
- Submissions can be made by email to pix@mymcmedia.org, one email for each photo.
- OR tweet photos using @mymcmedia #ditl.
- Photos and videos can also be uploaded directly via our "You Report" page. A quick registration is required.
- Only digital photos will be accepted (no prints or scans).
- All submissions are subject to MCM's Contributed Content Policy.
Showcase your photo: - Please submit full-size resolution images. Recommended image size is at least 1024 x 768 pixels, JPEG or PNG format.
- We ask that each photo be accompanied by a short description, including a title and photographer's name in subject line of email. In the body of your email, include a brief description of the photo, location, date and time. This information will be available with your photo on mymcmedia.org.
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| Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities |
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Food Distribution
Volunteers help, Mon-Fri from 9am-3pm, pack and sort food, bag produce and meat, assist clients to their car, and take in food donations.
Must be 17 years of age of older. This opportunity is approved for SSL hours.
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Client Services Representative
Help log referrals by phone, fax, and email in to our database. Volunteers must be able to commit to a minimum of 6 months. English/Spanish bi-lingual skills are required.
Shifts Currently Available:
Thursdays, 4-7pm
(weekly commitment)
2nd Saturday of the Month, 10am-2pm
(monthly commitment)
Email Marie at
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Food RunnerJoin Community Food Rescue (CFR), Montgomery County's network for food recovery. Help deliver rescued food to area shelters. Click here to learn how you can help feed more and waste less.
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| Second Saturday Food Distribution |
Second Saturday distribution at Manna's Gaithersburg warehouse takes place from 11:30am - 1:30pm on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Next opportunity is April 9th.
To receive food, clients must have a referral in by the preceding Friday at 3pm to pick up food on the 2nd Saturday. Visit the Manna website for upcoming dates and additional information.
Call 301-424-1130 or email referral@mannafood.org.
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| A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Donors |
We extend a warm and sincere THANK YOU to all of the organizations and businesses that have donated food and funds between February 16, 2016 - March 15, 2016. Without your incredible generosity, we would not be able to feed the families in need in our community. If we accidentally missed your business or organization in our list, please email Therese Lampe and we will make the correction in our next list. We wish we could also list each of the individuals who contribute to Manna; thank you all again for your support!
| Asbury Communities | | Aspen Hill Christian Church | | Avendra | | Bethesda Co-Op | | Bethesda Presbyterian Church | | Bureau of National Affairs | | Capital Area Food Bank | | Christ the Servant Lutheran Church | | Church of Our Savior | | Church of The Redeemer | | City of Gaithersburg | | City of Rockville | | Cold Spring ES | | Colesville Presbyterian Church | | Colesville United Methodist Men | | Congregation Har Shalom | | Creekside at Leisure World | | Delta Kappa Gamma Society Sigma Chapter | | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. | | Department of Finance | | Emmanuel Lutheran Church | | Folk'n Great Music | | Geneva Day School | | Giant Food |
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Health & Wellness Services
| | Hermon Presbyterian Church | | Herson's Honda | | Hidden Creek Commons | | HOT 99.5 | | Journey's Crossing Congregation | | Larry E. Paul Certified Financial Planner | | Lutheran Church of St. Andrew | | Macy's at Lakeforest Mall | | Matan Companies | | Merrill Lynch | | Montgomery County | | Montgomery County Employees FCU | | Montgomery County Muslim Foundation | | Montgomery County Thrift Shop Board | | National Council of Jewish Women | | Otsuka America Pharmeceutical, Inc. | | Paladar Latin Kitchen and Rum Bar | | People's Community Baptist Church | | Potomac ES | | Rainbow Community Development Ctr. | | Response Tech |
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| Roots | | Safeway | | Sandy Spring Friends School | | Self Storage White Flint | | Seven Locks Baptist Church | | Shady Grove Eye & Vision Care | | Shepherd's Table | | Shrine of St. Jude | | Sodexo Foundation | | Somerset ES | | State of Maryland | | TD Charitable Foundation | | The Bargain Box Thrift & Consignment Shop | | Trader Joe's | | Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church | | Twinbrook Baptist Church | | Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville | | University of Maryland Extension, Montgomery County | | Wegmans | | Whole Foods Market | | Woodley Garden Club | | Xa Loi Temple |
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If you're interested in donating food, making a financial contribution, or volunteering
please contact us at:
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Manna Food Center
9311 Gaither Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-424-1130
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Please support Manna through your workplace giving campaign.
United Way # 8846 - CFC # 23028
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