Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Appoints First Office of Food Systems Resilience Director Heather Bruskin

The Office of Food Resilience will be charged with developing and maintaining a strategy for improving the efficiency, equity, sustainability, and resilience of the food system in Montgomery County. Ensuring greater County government focus on food systems data collection, monitoring, and reporting (including food access and security data) is a priority of the OFSR.
“The Office of Food Systems Resilience is an important step in the County’s efforts to address the root causes which lead to food insecurity for our residents,” said County Executive Elrich. “I look forward to working with Ms. Bruskin in this new capacity to ensure our residents receive all available resources to end the cycle of food insecurity.”

The County is home to approximately 1.05 million people, of whom 87,190 (8.3% of total population) are estimated to be food insecure according to Feeding America’s Meal Gap Map. According to the American Community Survey, there are significant disparities in risk for hunger in our community, particularly related to race (8-14 percent food insecurity rates for Black and brown residents compared to just 5 percent of white residents) and age (14 percent or 34,000 residents 18 & younger.) Additionally, the high cost of living in Montgomery County results in thousands of additional households with incomes that are too high to receive benefits assistance but too low to make ends meet.

For more than 12 years, the new director has been a leader in community-based organizations. Her roles have included financial management, strategic planning, data collection and analysis. She has been actively involved in engaging residents, employees and volunteers in collaborative and effective program operations.  Ms. Bruskin has a master’s degree from the University of Virginia and a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University.
“Launching this innovative new office will connect my passion for building resilience, justice, and sustainability in our food system to a role in public service,” said Ms. Bruskin. “I look forward to a continued partnership with the community toward systems change, expanding upon the County government’s investments in ensuring equitable and dignified access to nutritious, culturally diverse foods for all residents. It also will be important that we harness the unique strengths of business, nonprofit and government partners to enhance the health of our people, our economy and our natural resources.”

The OFSR will develop a case management system for residents experiencing food insecurity and the long-term strategy for government investment in community nonprofits in the food security sector. Rising food costs and persistent rates of hunger across our county, a reduction in federal and private funding for food assistance programs, and deep systemic inequities and supply chain fragility that existed well before the pandemic, all require interagency strategies that maximize local dollars and leverage additional external funding to be better prepared for future crises. Two additional staff positions focused on data analysis, policy strategies, and community engagement will be posted for recruitment soon and hired this Spring.

As the Executive Director of the Montgomery County Food Council, Ms. Bruskin led the County’s primary food system advocacy nonprofit organization through significant expansion. Under her leadership, the Food Council launched a nutrition benefits outreach and enrollment direct service program in partnership with the State of Maryland, connecting more than 1,000 residents to food assistance resources and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Ms. Bruskin serves in leadership roles with numerous local and regional food systems and nonprofit organizations, including currently as the elected co-chair of the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council and as an appointed member of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Food and Agriculture Regional Committee.

Food Resources in Montgomery County can be found at  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get-help/food.html.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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