Cheers to Ten Years! 10th Anniversary Party Recap

Heather Bruskin, Executive Director of Montgomery County Food Council

The Food Council’s 10th Anniversary celebrating a decade of connecting the community to transform the local food system was a night to remember. Nearly 100 individuals were gathered at Montgomery College, Rockville on Tuesday, June 21st to celebrate a decade of accomplishments!

The celebration brought us together in one place for the first time in more than two years, in a safe environment where we met face to face, expanded our ideas, and honored all of the organizations, staff, volunteers, and partners that join together to build a vibrant and equitable food system right here in the county.

We are so grateful to our sponsors Montgomery College, Manna Food Center, Holycross Hospital, Compost Crew, Burness, Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op, Healthcare Initiative Foundation, The Upcounty Hub, and Kim and Jay McBride, for supporting our network weaving, advocacy, and capacity building initiatives that drive bold and innovative new strategies for a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable local food system.

Council Vice President Evan Glass, Council President Gabe Albornoz, and Councilmember Andrew Friedson

We were delighted to celebrate this important milestone in our organization’s history with County and State elected officials, including Council President Gabe Albornoz, Council Vice President Evan Glass, Councilmember Andrew Friedson, Councilmember Sidney Katz, and Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, as well as staff members from the offices of County Councilmember Will Jawando, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. Attendees gathered for games and prizes, delicious food from Metz Catering, local drinks from Rocklands Farm Winery, and True Respite Brewing Company, desserts from Sunflower Bakery, entertainment provided by student violinist Andrew Anthony, and mixing and mingling with officials and non-profit leaders from across Montgomery County. We also enjoyed special remarks from food system leaders and advocates including Michael J. Wilson, Maryland Hunger Solutions, Dr. Jermaine Williams, President of Montgomery College, Dr. Monica Brown, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs of Montgomery College, Anna Hargrave of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and Vanessa Pierre of the Food Council’s Food Security Community Advisory Board.

As we look back at the last decade, it is our hope that you will be part of our organization’s future as we continue to work towards an equitable, resilient and sustainable local food system through collaboration, transformation, and cultivation. Thank you for an incredible 10 years. Here’s to the next!