County Boosts Resources to Combat Food Insecurity: What You Need to Know

Montgomery County is taking steps to tackle food insecurity with a new three-part strategy from the Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR). Their goal is to enhance food recovery programs, ensuring more available food for those in need.

The recently launched FY25 Food Recovery Network Infrastructure Grant Program aims to support organizations with logistics, like transportation and food storage. This program will allocate $300,000 to help projects such as shared cold storage and composting systems. Applications are open through May 30.

This summer, a new Food Recovery Network Coordination (FRNC) grant will promote efficiency and collaboration among food recovery efforts. Nonprofit organizations skilled in connecting community partners can apply for this grant.

The Assistance (CFA) Grant Program allows applicants to join the County’s Food Recovery Network. This initiative seeks to minimize competition for food donors and promote data sharing, helping to address the rising rates of food insecurity.

Montgomery County has invested over $3 million in the last decade to strengthen food recovery systems. Food recovery, or food rescue, involves collecting safe-to-eat foods that cannot be sold and redistributing them to those who need them. There are over 25 organizations in this network.

“Food insecurity is a reality for too many in our community, but we waste food that could help. This initiative shows how we can reduce waste while assisting others,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. Current estimates suggest that 35% of county residents face food insecurity.

Community Food Rescue, part of the Manna Food Center, has been active since 2012. It connects over 400 donors and volunteers to save nearly 14 million pounds of food from being wasted. Jenna Umbriac, the director of programs at Manna, hopes this collaborative spirit continues in the County’s future food efforts.

These efforts align with Montgomery County’s broader sustainability goals. By collaborating with farms, restaurants, and grocery stores, the community is making strides toward achieving their Strategic Plan to Advance Composting and the Aiming for Zero Waste initiative.

Expert Heather Bruskin from OFSR emphasizes the importance of maximizing local resources during tough financial times. “This approach not only aids our environment but also helps us gather more food to support our community,” she noted.

Recent statistics show that food recovery efforts are crucial at this time. According to a survey, over 60% of residents express concern about food waste in their households, highlighting the need for community action. As food recovery initiatives grow, they not only address hunger but also push for more sustainable practices in the region.

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