Food Security Programs Director
Annmarie oversees the Food Council’s food security programs, providing management support to the Food Recovery and Access Working Group and implementing aspects of the County's Food Security Response Strategy. Annmarie previously served as the Project Leader/Nutrition Educator for the University of Maryland Extension’s SNAP-Ed Program in Montgomery County, where she partnered with schools, food assistance providers, and farmers markets to implement nutrition education programming and promote policy, systems, and environmental changes aimed at creating a more equitable local food system for those facing food insecurity. Annmarie is a Registered Dietitian and a Licensed Dietitian-Nutritionist in the state of Maryland. She holds a BS in Dietetics from the University of Maryland, College Park; as well as a BA in English from Brooklyn College, and a Master’s in English Literature from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
SNAP Outreach Assistant
Daniele is a SNAP Outreach Assistant at Montgomery County Food Council (MCFC). She is a dynamic and compassionate community advocate, driven by a strong sense of service and a deep commitment to aiding underserved populations. She has 12+ years of expertise in customer service, management, and event coordination in the US and in Brazil. Proficient in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, she bridges communication gaps for diverse populations. Her educational background includes an MBA in Management with a concentration in Finance from Strayer University. She is also committed to giving back to her community. Her volunteer experiences in organizing events for the homeless and supporting children in need highlight her dedication to making a positive impact. Daniele's passion for giving back aligns perfectly with the Montgomery County Food Council's mission of ensuring universal food access.
Agriculture & Sustainability Specialist
Lorien provides support to the MoCo Made Initiative and the Farm to Food Bank program, and aids in addressing other local food economy, agriculture, and environmental sustainability issues. She is devoted to working towards a healthy, equitable, ecologically sustainable food system for all. She has worked on food system issues for nearly two decades, from laboring on farms, to leading agricultural and nutrition education, to nonprofit program coordination, to researching community nutrition and beginning farmer programming. She has implemented and evaluated programs for agricultural cooperative extension, first with Virginia Cooperative Extension, then with University of Maryland Extension. In addition to her role at MoCo Food Council, she currently operates a one-acre vegetable farm in the Montgomery County Agricultural Preserve, selling directly to consumers within the county. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Longwood University, a M.S. in Agricultural Extension Education, and a PhD in Agricultural Life Sciences, Community Viability, from Virginia Tech.
Co-Executive Director
Allison is the Co-Executive Director at the Montgomery County Food Council. Allison is honored to help lead the Food Council's work to strengthen our local food system’s resilience, and is committed to working alongside our dedicated partners and community members to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead. She assumes this role after leading the Food Council's SNAP Outreach Program since 2021, a role in which she continues to serve. Allison is a registered dietitian who received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she also completed her dietetic internship. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wellesley College.
Senior Food Access Coordinator
Sharon Strerath is a Senior Food Access Coordinator for the Food Council's SNAP Outreach Program. She assists English and Spanish-speaking residents in applying for SNAP. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Hospitality Management from Vatel International Business School Hotel & Tourism Management and previously worked in the hospitality industry, which gave her the opportunity to travel to different countries, gain experiences, and focus on the service of customers. She enjoys working at the Food Council because it allows her to assist people from our community, and through that contributes to their nutritional well-being.
Co-Executive Director
Elizabeth is the Co-Executive Director of the Montgomery County Food Council, where she leads with a deep commitment to strengthening our local food system. She previously served as the Food Council's Director of Programs and Impact and as a member of the Food Security team, advancing initiatives to connect residents with food access resources and benefits. With a diverse background as a chef, food educator, and attorney, Elizabeth is passionate about collaborative, systems-level change that ensures healthy food and economic opportunity for all Montgomery County residents. She holds a B.A. from Holy Cross College, a J.D. from Georgetown University, and a certificate in pastry arts from L'Academie de Cuisine.
Food Security Support Coordinator
Bitta supports the Food Council's Food Security programs in Montgomery County, contributing to capacity-building initiatives that strengthen local food systems. With a recent BA in Environmental Analysis from WashU, she brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective, blending environmental sustainability with social equity. Bitta is passionate about promoting sustainable and equitable systems and is committed to shaping policies that integrate food systems and environmental health, advocating for solutions that foster long-term ecological and social well-being.
Food Systems Program Coordinator
Amanda serves as the Food Systems Program Coordinator for the Montgomery County Food Council. She brings a rich background in food systems, policy, and community engagement to the Food Council. She has worked across nonprofits, farms, and advocacy organizations to support equitable and sustainable food systems, including roles with the Organic Farmer's Association and the World Resources Institute. Amanda holds a Bachelor's with a focus on food and agriculture, and she’s passionate about creating resilient local food networks.
MCFC Vista
Janae is a dedicated advocate for strengthening our food system. She is passionate about capacity building and fostering community-led partnerships to tackle food insecurity and promote sustainable food policies. With several years of experience in development within the sustainability and food insecurity sectors, Janae has collaborated with organizations such as DC Central Kitchen. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and is currently pursuing her master’s in public administration.
Jul 13
The Food Council’s Food Security Calls are designed for learning, information-sharing and network building.
Jul 25
Explore participating farms located across Montgomery County at the Annual Farm Tour.
Jul 27
Whether you're a foodie, a supporter of regional agriculture, or a local business looking to make an impact, this event is for you!
Aug 6
The Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC) holds a public bi-weekly meeting with the Communication & Coordination Committee to monitor and discuss food systems bills during the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session.
Aug 25
The SNAP Work Group includes organizations that provide nutrition benefits enrollment assistance to residents, the Montgomery County Office of Eligibility and Support Services, and other groups that serve residents with low-income.
Sep 14
The Food Council’s Food Security Calls are designed for learning, information-sharing and network building.