Montgomery County has taken a notable step towards combating food insecurity, channeling over $3.5 million in grants to enhance the operations of 48 community food assistance programs. According to a recent release on the Montgomery County government's website, the Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR) aims to provide consistent support to nearly 165,000 residents monthly, through its Fiscal Year 2025 Community Food Assistance (CFA) Program.
Designed to offer a sustainable solution to food insecurity, the funding touches on organizations rooted in the community, with a requirement that services have been provided on a monthly basis for at least two years. Montgomery County's website states the program prioritizes grants for the procurement and distribution of essentials such as shelf-stable foods, produce, and prepared meals.
County Executive Marc Elrich recognized the value of collaborative efforts, stating, "Montgomery County’s food security network relies on robust, strategic partnerships with community organizations that have a deep understanding of our region's unique geographic and demographic diversity." Elrich underlines the program's focus on amplifying efforts and addressing hunger at its roots through capacity building in a statement obtained by Montgomery County's press release.
Organizations receiving these grants span a variety of service models, scheduled to reach every zip code in Montgomery County. The selected providers are expected, in the homes of residents, to extend culturally relevant food options under a choice-model distribution. This program, according to Heather Bruskin, director of OFSR, leverages local economic opportunity by investing in local production and interconnected food markets, benefiting county residents for generations to come.
The CFA program is a strategic continuation of the county's post-pandemic relief efforts, building on the foundation of the 2020-established Food Staples Program. The grant beneficiaries, including previous Food Staples partners, will receive credits to procure various nutritious items through avenues like Manna Food Center and Capital Area Food Bank or direct grants for purchasing from vendors, supporting the economic infrastructure of the region.
To ensure the CFA grants meet the community's needs effectively, OFSR undertook a series of preparatory meetings and listening sessions, soliciting input and feedback that shaped the application process. More than 50 one-on-one technical assistance sessions were also provided to guide potential applicants, further emphasizing the tailored approach of the program in meeting the diverse needs of Montgomery County's residents.
Program impact and equity are central to this initiative. Funded programs align with Montgomery Planning's identified focus areas, which address the needs of diverse communities through accessible and responsive community-based partnerships. The OFSR will gather data monthly and quarterly from all grantees to appraise the long-term impact of this investment.
For a detailed list of awardees and to learn more about Montgomery County's entire food assistance landscape, interested parties are invited to visit the OFSR website.
