Happy Independence Day

Dear Manna supporter,
 
When I was in the third grade I won an essay contest entitled, "Why I Love My Country."  Whenever the 4th of July rolls around, I remember my careful cursive writing and some of the things a young girl was proud of: beautiful landscapes, the Constitution, and caring teachers like Mrs. Robinson. 

All grown up and living in Montgomery County, I still believe deeply in the best of America.  Even though on a daily basis the Manna team witnesses some of the struggles our neighbors face, we also know firsthand that community members, like you, are rising to the challenge of fighting hunger with us.  We need food, friends, and funds to reach approximately 3,700 families each month, and your continued generosity and support make that work possible.  

Thanks also to those of you who responded to last month's request to participate in our strategic planning survey.  The people we serve are partners in our work too.  Recently, as part of our strategic planning process, Manna invited groups of clients to speak to us about Manna services and to share opinions about the future of our work.   Their sentiments were both encouraging when they spoke of their gratitude for Manna and heart-wrenching when they spoke of their need: 
If there was no way to get food from Manna during the month, the degree of hardship will be great, especially for the children who often have to go to bed hungry.  There are numerous occasions during the month were there is only enough food for the children, so the parents will miss a meal.

Throughout the summer, Manna will continue our process of listening to stakeholders as we finalize a strategic plan.  I will be sharing details with you in future newsletters.  While we don't have all of goals and strategies set, like that little third grader who won her first blue ribbon, I'm very optimistic about our prospects. I know what this community has to offer, and I'm proud to work with you and the whole Manna team to create a Hunger Free Montgomery County. 
 
Jackie DeCarlo
Executive Director
240.268.2524
You're Invited- Warehouse Open House

Ever wondered how Manna Food Center does such amazing work in the community out of a small warehouse at 9311 Gaither Road in Gaithersburg?  Join Manna for a fun-filled Warehouse Open House, an opportunity for the whole family to see what we do, from bay to box. 

This event will feature informative warehouse tours, engaging activities, Panas Empanadas and fun for the all ages.  So stop by anytime between 5-8!  See you there!
Jenna graduates Leadership Montgomery 
We are proud to announce that Manna's Director of Programs and Policies, Jenna Umbriac is a member of the Class of 2016 Leadership Montgomery Emerging Leaders Program.  

The Emerging Leaders program provides next-generation leaders with the skills and connections essential to professional success and effective community leadership. Through eight monthly interactive sessions, participants gain unique exposure to the issues, resources and key players impacting Montgomery County, while honing their professional development skills.  

Congratulations Jenna, we are so excited to see how you use your newly acquired skills to help forward our mission!  
Cal Ripken Collegiate Baseball League Food Drive
Cal Ripken League
7th Annual Cal Ripken
Collegiate Baseball League's
Feed the Hungry Challenge
Saturday July 9
10am-2pm


Giant Food Stores will host a one day food drive with the Cal Ripken Summer Collegiate Baseball League this weekend.  

Visit one of the 12 stores listed below to not only support Manna but cheer on your 
favorite team.
 
The Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts:
Arliss Street Center Giant- 8750 Arliss St, Silver Spring
Blair Park Giant- 1280 East West Highway, Silver Spring
White Oak Gant- 11221 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring
The Rockville Express:
Montrose Crossing Giant- 12051 Rockville Pike, Rockville
Kentlands Giant- 229 Kentlands Blvd., Gaithersburg
Rockville- 625 Hungerford Drive, Rockville 
The Bethesda Big Train:
Bethesda Row West Giant- 7142 Arlington Rd., Bethesda
Georgetown Giant- 10400 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda
Cabin John- 7919 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac 
The Gaithersburg Giants:
Goshen Crossing Giant- 20044 Goshen Road, Gaithersburg
Flower Hill Giant- 18250 Flower Hill Way, Gaithersburg
Shady Grove- 16837 Crabbs Branch Way, Derwood

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.  

Manna's Latest Blog: MORE at Manna
Eat the Rainbow.... Skip the Skittles
By Lindsey Seegers, Program Manager, Nutrition Education

Did you know Manna has an employee wellness program? What started as a 10-week health initiative has turned into a fitness-nutrition-relaxation program that is still going, two years in! Read about our latest staff competition, and learn a simple way to get your vitamins in Lindsey's latest blog post.
 
Click Here to continue reading more Eat the Rainbow...   
Volunteer Opportunities: 
Looking for Summer Help
distro volunteers 2015
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.

farm_sign_vegetables.jpg
Farmers Markets
Rockville PikeCentral, 
SATURDAYS, 9am - 1:30pm 
Rockville Town Center
 SATURDAYS, 9am - 1pm 
Bethesda Central, 
SUNDAYS, 9am - 1:30pm
Olney Market
SUNDAYS, 9am - 1pm 
A great opportunity for families. Volunteers under the age of 18 must be need an adult present.  
Referral Office
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)

 Day or Evening Floater 
(Shift varies depending on availabilty during July and August)

 2nd Saturday of the Month, 10am-2pm
(monthly commitment)
Email Katie  
for more information.

Food Runner
Join 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.


Satellite Distribution Centers
Volunteers help, Tuesday at Catholic Charities and Wednesday at Long Branch Community Center from 3pm-7pm, distributing prepacked boxes, assisting clients to their car, and taking in food donations. 

Must be 17 years of age of older.  This opportunity is approved for SSL hours.
Smart Sacks' 2016 Report Card 
Manna's Karen Goldberg  Smart Sacks program served 2,493 elementary students this past school year, delivering a total of 76, 943 sacks of nutritious food with the family in mind. That impact could not  have been possible without the commitment and dedication of 55 community and corporate partners throughout the county.
 
In addition to our community partners, Manna leads a coalition of weekend bag providers to serve more of the over 30,000 elementary school students who qualified for FARMs this year. With our partners Women Who Care Ministries and Kids In Need Distributors, we collectively serve over 4,600 elementary students. As a coalition, we petitioned the county to increase our budget by $150,000. We're happy to report that we have indeed secured the additional funds to continue the work of building up food security across our county.
 
Over the summer, Smart Sacks will be supporting 17 schools, and there are even more food supports available to families this summer. We want folks to know and to share that the Montgomery County Summer Food Program is in full effect until August 26th at various sites throughout the county.
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 May 16, 2016 - June 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!

Am Kolel Sanctuary and Renewal Ctr.
Association of Government Accountants
Avenel Community Association
Bethesda Central Farmers' Market
Bethesda Co-Op
Bethesda Friends Meeting
B'nai Israel Congregation
Burness Communications
Capital Area Food Bank
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
Church of The Redeemer
City of Gaithersburg
City of Rockville
Colesville Presbyterian Church
Congregation Beth El
Crystal Clear Automation, Inc.
Department of Finance
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
First Fruits Farm
Giant Food
Girl Scout Troop #3917
Harris Teeter
Jackson Road ES
Journey's Crossing Congregation
Knights of Columbus
      Rock Creek Council #2797
Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op
Larry E. Paul Certified Financial Planner
Lester Poretsky Family Foundation
Long & Foster- Rockville Centre
Macy's/Bloomingdale's
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Master Gardeners
Montgomery County Thrift Shop Board
Norman's Farm Markets
Northwest High School
Norwood School
Olney Farmers & Artists' Market

Or Haolam Ministries, Inc. 
     (Light of the World)
Otsuka America Pharmeceutical, Inc.
Pilgrim United Church of Christ
Potomac United Methodist Church
Premium Promotions, Inc.
Red Wiggler Community Farm
Response Tech
Richard Montgomery HS
Rockville Farmers' Market
Roots
Safeway
Safeway, Wheaton
Saint Mark Presbyterian Church
Sandy Nails
Sanford and Doris Slavin Foundation Inc.
Self Storage White Flint
Shrine of St. Jude
Sodexo Foundation
St. John's Episcopal School
State of Maryland
Stone Mill ES
TD Charitable Foundation
Teltronic Inc.
The Goddard School
The Watson Group LLC
Tikvat Israel Congregation
Trader Joe's
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO
Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville
USPS
Vantage Point East, Leisure World
Village of Martin's Additions
Warner Memorial Presbyterian Church
Washington Adventist Hospital
Wegmans
Whole Foods Market
Woodley Garden Club
Young at Heart Club, Leisure World
If you're interested in donating food, making a financial contribution, or volunteering, 
please contact us at:
 
Manna Food Center
9311 Gaither Road
Gaithersburg, MD 20877 
301-424-1130

Remember to support Manna through your workplace giving campaign.
United Way # 8846 - CFC # 23028 

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