Food insecurity remains a pressing challenge for many families in Montgomery County, Maryland. Thankfully, the So What Else Food Rescue Bank is making a huge difference by providing much-needed food assistance and support to those in need. Founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, So What Else quickly grew from a small emergency response into one of the largest and most impactful food rescue programs in the region. ๐
Rescuing Food, Feeding Families ๐
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At the heart of So What Elseโs mission is food rescue โ collecting food that would otherwise be wasted and distributing it to people facing hunger. Every week, the Food Rescue Bank recovers roughly 300,000 pounds of food, including fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and pantry staples. This not only helps reduce food waste but also ensures that families receive nutritious, balanced meals. ๐ฝ๐
Accessible Food Assistance in Montgomery County ๐ ๐ฝ๏ธ
So What Else offers a range of services at its North Bethesda facility to meet the diverse needs of the community. Thereโs an indoor pantry open Tuesday through Friday and an outdoor food pantry on Saturdays, both providing free food to anyone who needs it. The organization also runs a thrift store selling affordable clothing and household goods, as well as a diaper distribution program for families with young children. ๐งบ๐๐ถ
For those who are homebound or face transportation challenges, So What Else provides a home delivery program, bringing food directly to their doorsteps. This flexibility helps ensure that no one is left behind. ๐โค๏ธ
Powered by Community Support ๐ค๐ช
The success of the Food Rescue Bank depends heavily on community involvement. Volunteers help sort and distribute food, while donations enable the organization to expand its reach and services. Even small contributions can have a big impact โ for example, $200 can provide meals for one person for an entire year! ๐ต๐ฝ๏ธ
By partnering with schools, nonprofits, and local businesses, So What Else creates a strong network of support that benefits the entire county. Together, theyโre working to build a hunger-free community where everyone has access to healthy food. ๐๐ค
To Visit now: https://www.sowhatelse.org/food-rescue-bank/montgomery-county-services/