Silver Spring, Md. — Over 200 volunteers, including students and elected officials, joined Manna Food Center on Sunday for it’s annual MLK Jr. Service Weekend Food Drive.
Volunteers collected donated goods at 18 Giant Supermarkets throughout Montgomery County, including locations in Wheaton, Olney and Neelsville.
“Even though this is one of the most affluent counties in Maryland, we do face food insecurity,” said Michelle Whittaker, communications manager for Manna Food Center. “We have over 65,000 residents who don’t know where their next meal will come from.”
Each year, the nonprofit helps provide meals for about half of those facing food insecurity in the county and works with schools to help feed students. Whittaker says assistance from community members at events like this helps spread awareness.
A group of middle school students were among those volunteering and encouraging shoppers to donate. Connor Kim, a sixth grader at North Bethesda Middle School, said he is volunteering to help those impacted by the shutdown.
“It makes me feel amazing because I know that I’m helping people,” said Kim.
Some elected officials also stopped by to volunteer, including Del. Jared Solomon (District 18). He applauded Manna Foods for waving income requirements, allowing furloughed federal employees to also seek assistance.
“We’re really in uncharted territory with the government being shutdown almost a month,” said Solomon. “It’s about making sure everyone’s able to get what they need, regardless of their income.”
