“We must ensure that no one in Montgomery County goes hungry," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Food insecurity was prevalent before the pandemic hit—and COVID-19 made it even worse. So many people lost jobs and higher food prices continue to make it exceedingly difficult for families to make ends meet. I am grateful to MCDOT and Manna Food Center for this important effort and encourage residents to donate non-perishable food items on all of our buses between May 15 and May 22.”
MCDOT has conducted the food drive for more than 30 years in partnership with Mana Food Center, although the effort was suspended during the two-year COVID-19 health crisis. This year, the food drive also has partnered with Montgomery County Public Libraries and the County’s five Regional Services Centers, which are also taking in non-perishable food donations.
“We are asking those who have the means to help to donate to this food drive,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Food insecurity is prevalent, but often goes unnoticed. Before the pandemic hit, one in 12 people in Montgomery County were estimated to experience food insecurity. One in three elementary school students qualify for free and reduced meals and 20 percent of the County’s seniors, 55-64 only, live below the self-sufficiency standard.”
In addition to County buses, food donations will also be accepted at the following locations:
- Executive Office Building:
101 Monroe Street
Rockville, MD 20850
240-777-5880 - County Council Office Building:
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
240-777-5870
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center:
4805 Edgemoor Ln
Bethesda, MD 20814
240-777-8200 - East County Community Recreation Center:
3310 Gateshead Manor Way
Silver Spring, MD 20904
240-475-6527 - Mid-County Regional Service Center:
2425 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902
240-777-8103 - Silver Spring Regional Service:
One Veterans Place
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
240-777-5300 - Upcounty Regional Service Center:
12900 Middlebrook Road
Germantown, MD 20874
240-777-8000
- White Oak Library:
11701 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20904
240-773-9555 - Olney Library:
3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road
Olney, MD 20832
240-773-9545 - Long Branch Library:
8800 Garland Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20901
240-777-0910 - Davis Library (North Bethesda):
6400 Democracy Boulevard
Bethesda, MD 20817
240-777-0922 - Gaithersburg Library:
18330 Montgomery Village Avenue
Gaithersburg, MD 20879
240-773-9490
- Manna Food Center Warehouse:
9311 Gaither Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
301-424-1130 - Manna Food Center, Administrative Office:
12301 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD 20904
301-424-1130
Fare for all riders remains free at least until July 2.
All passengers are encouraged to wear face coverings when traveling by public transportation. All MCDOT buses have a supply of face coverings for those who cannot provide their own. Buses will continue to be cleaned by the County’s Department of General Services daily with hospital-grade viral disinfectant. Bus filter and ventilation systems also are treated each night with a disinfectant.