Montgomery County’s COVID-19 Remembrance and Recognition Month Wraps Up with ‘Food Security Week’

Per Montgomery County:

For Immediate Release: Monday, March 28, 2022

During the month of March, as Montgomery County marks two years of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the County is highlighting the sacrifices, dedication, and efforts of individuals and partners in the community. During “Food Security Week” (March 27 – April 2), the County will highlight individuals and organizations that provided food and other vital necessities to individuals and families in need throughout the pandemic.

On Tuesday, March 29, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich will join the Food Security Task Force for a tour and to hear a panel of speakers recall the early days of the pandemic, hearing more about organizations’ accomplishments and the critical partnerships and programs developed to meet the need in the community.

“No one should go hungry in Montgomery County,” said County Executive Elrich. “Food insecurity was here before the pandemic and has been exasperated by the pandemic, inflation, and high prices that make it hard for working families to make ends meet. We want to thank the nonprofit and faith-based organizations that have worked tirelessly to ensure our residents have access to nutritious and culturally appropriate food. Food insecurity is an important issue here in Montgomery County and we are committed to continuing to provide support and resources through enhanced grant funding for food assistance programs, and $4 million to continue to directly provide food to individuals and families most at need.”

The tour will begin at 1 p.m. and County Executive Elrich will visit the Capital Kosher Pantry, the Silver Spring Christian Reform Church, and LaVilla Restaurant. These locations are just a few examples of the County’s outstanding models used for food distribution. The tour will end with remarks of appreciation from the County Executive to the hundreds of partners that make up the food security network in our County. For information on food resources available in Montgomery County click here.

Throughout the week, also make sure to follow Montgomery County on Twitter and Facebook as the County will be sharing posts and videos in recognition of Food Security Week.

The monthlong COVID-19 commemoration began with “Memorial Week,” a remembrance of the lives lost to COVID-19 in Montgomery County and the sharing of stories, with #MoCoRemembers – including those County Government employees who lost their lives – culminating with a candlelight vigil on March 3. The second week was “Public Health and Health Care Week” which recognized the County’s Public Health Service and numerous other health professionals and providers who worked to keep the community safe, protect lives, and meet the needs of those impacted. This was followed by “Housing Week,” which highlighted efforts by numerous people and organizations who helped ensure people had a place to live and were not displaced throughout the pandemic. Last week was “Essential Workers Week” where residents were encourages to thank the many different groups of essential workers who provided important services throughout the pandemic.

For more information about the monthlong event, visit the County’s website.

# # #