During the month of March, as Montgomery County marks two years of fighting the COVID-19 health crisis, the County is highlighting the sacrifices, dedication and efforts of individuals and partners in the community. During “Food Security Week” (March 27-April 2), the County is recognizing individuals and organizations who provided food and other vital necessities to individuals and families in need throughout the pandemic.
On Tuesday, County Executive Marc Elrich joined the Food Security Task Force for a tour and to hear a panel of speakers recall the early days of the pandemic, hearing more about organizations’ accomplishments and the critical partnerships and programs developed to meet the need in the community.
“No one should go hungry in Montgomery County," said County Executive Elrich. "Food insecurity was here before the pandemic and has been exasperated by the pandemic, inflation and high prices that make it hard for working families to make ends meet. We want to thank the nonprofit and faith-based organizations that have worked tirelessly to ensure our residents have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food. Food insecurity is an important issue here in Montgomery County and we are committed to continuing to provide support and resources through enhanced grant funding for food assistance programs, and $4 million to continue to directly provide food to individuals and families most at need.”
County Executive Elrich visited the Capital Kosher Pantry, the Silver Spring Christian Reform Church and LaVilla Restaurant. These locations are just a few examples of the County’s outstanding models used for food distribution. The tour concluded with County Executive Elrich offering words of appreciation to the hundreds of partners that make up the food security network in our County. For information on food resources available in Montgomery County click here.
The month-long COVID-19 commemoration began with "Memorial Week," a remembrance of the lives lost to COVID-19 in Montgomery County and the sharing of stories of those individuals—including those County Government employees who lost their lives. The second week was “Public Health and Health Care Week,” which recognized the County’s Public Health Service and numerous other health professionals and providers who worked to keep the community safe, protect lives and meet the needs of those impacted. That was followed by "Housing Week," which highlighted efforts by numerous people and organizations who helped ensure people had a place to live and were not displaced throughout the pandemic. Last week was “Essential Workers Week,” where residents were encouraged to thank the many groups of essential workers who provided important services throughout the pandemic.
For more information about the month-long event, visit the County’s website.