Applications Due September 3

Effective August 1, community organizations involved with food security issues can apply for mini-grants from the county that range from $2,000 to $10,000. Tax-exempt organizations applying for the mini-grants can use the funding to improve direct service or assistance to vulnerable populations.

The application deadline is Tuesday, September 3.

Information and the application form are available online. Questions can be directed to Diana Tato-Niktash at 240-777-3404 or by email to diana.tato-niktash@montgomerycountymd.gov.

# # # Media Contact: Mary Anderson, 240-777-6534

The checks may be used at farmer’s markets in Montgomery County and participating markets in the District of Columbia until November 1, 2019.

The lottery for the checks will be held at the following locations:

• Elizabeth House, 1400 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring

Montgomery County has established a new web portal where federal employees and contractors who live in the County, and who are impacted by the partial federal government shutdown, can go to find assistance provided by various organizations throughout the County

The Federal Shutdown Assistance Portal be found on this county webpage

A Wider Circle has created a dedicated fund to support those who are financially impacted by the shutdown with food and other household essentials.  Visit their website or call 301-608-3504 for more information.

Interfaith Works aids families in crisis and those potentially facing homelessness.  Updated assistance information tailored to those impacted by the government shutdown will be posted on the organization’s web page.  Visit their website or call 301-762-8682, for more information.

Manna Food Center is at the center of ending hunger in the County. Visit Manna’s website, for a full list of their programs, food distribution sites and drop off locations.  Individuals wishing to donate can go to https://www.mannafood.org/give-help/ or call 301-424-1130.

The Capital Area Food Bank is holding a free pop-up market to distribute free produce and groceries to government employees and contractors affected by the shutdown.  Up to 250 people can receive food with a valid ID or federal contractor ID.  On Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon, the pop-up market will be located at Giant Food located at 12051 Rockville Pike. The organization has set a goal of providing 300,000 extra meals through fund raising efforts.  For more information visit https://www.capitalareafoodbank.org/support-during-the-shutdown/ .

Shepherd’s Table is in downtown Silver Spring and is prepared to serve federal workers or anyone in need of nutritious meals or clothing.  Their dining room is open every day and all are welcome.  For more information visit their website or call 301-585-6463.

Women Who Care Ministries in Montgomery Village can provide food assistance for five to seven days. For more information, visit their website https://www.womenwhocareministries.org/ or call 301-963-8588.

The County’s Health and Human Services Eviction Prevention Program provides crisis intervention assistance to qualified individuals and families.  This includes emergency financial assistance and/or shelter to families and adults who are homeless or at high risk of losing housing.  The program also provides help for overdue utility payments and welfare avoidance grants are available for eligible temporary cash assistance applicants.  Visit https://tinyurl.com/y8mrtamb or call 311.

The Office of Landlord-Tenant Affairs in the County’s Department of Housing and Community Affairs can provide mediation assistance for tenants and landlords.  For more information call 311.

The County’s Office of Consumer Protection can provide advice to resident on their rights and ability to cancel contracts. For more information call 311.

Unemployment Insurance Applications

If you are a federal employee and have been furloughed as a result of the federal shutdown, you may file for unemployment using the Federal Civilian Employee Application for Benefits or you may call 410-853-1700 or contact an unemployment insurance claim center.

  Montgomery County residents can request food assistance by contact Manna at 301-424-1130. Participants will be provided with approximately 60 pounds of food every 30 days. Manna offers several food pickup locations on specific days during the week and every Monday thru Friday at Manna’s warehouse (9311 Gaither Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877).

  DeCarlo notes that County agencies, elected officials, and non-profits are stepping up to meet the growing financial need. Manna’s Community Food Rescue program is one of several groups providing food for Councilmember Tom Hucker’s community potluck being held tonight. Multiple food runners will be picking up food from area restaurants to deliver to the potluck.

  Residents interested in supporting Manna’s extended services should visit www.mannafood.org for volunteer or giving opportunities.

Free and Low-cost Fitness Options for Older Adults

There are many reasons why regular exercise and physical activity are important to everyone, including older adults. Regular physical activity and exercise can produce long-term health benefits and that is one reason health experts recommend that older adults are active every day to maintain their health. Even moderate exercise can improve the health of people who are frail or have diseases that accompany aging.

This updated factsheet describes free and low-cost fitness classes, weight rooms and other options available for older adults in Montgomery County.  Visit the senior website for more information.

Active Aging Week is a national effort that promotes the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by giving older adults the opportunity to experience diverse activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere. Join us for one or more of the events on our calendar:

The food is distributed on campus at no cost to students, faculty/staff and the community. See this flyer for dates and times:

English

Spanish

Contact

Carmen Poston Travis (240) 567-5253 carmen.poston@montgomerycollege.edu

Benita Rashaw (240) 567-4389 benita.rashaw@montgomery.college.edu

Organizations; Applications Due September 4

Community organizations involved with food security issues are urged to apply for mini-grants ranging from $500 to $10,000 to improve capacity and infrastructure dedicated to increasing food security or to support inventive and collaborative approaches to reducing food insecurity. Tax-exempt organizations applying for the mini-grants can use the funding for direct service or assistance to vulnerable populations; this may involve meal preparation, distribution, transportation and/or delivery. The funding may also be used for recovery of food that is good to eat but otherwise would be wasted. The County’s vision for food security is a community where all residents have access to safe, sufficient, nutritious food.

Funding for the grant program is included in the FY19 operating budget for the County’s Department of Health and Human Services. Organizations can apply independently or in collaboration with other groups.

Applications are due by close of business on Tuesday, September 4, 2018. For information about application guidelines and to complete an online application, visit https://bit.ly/2mZI76e . Questions can be directed to Diana Tato-Niktash at 240-777-3404 or by email to diana.tato-niktash@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Media Contact: Mary Anderson, 240-777-6534