While it may seem like the County’s budget cycle just finished with the FY26 budget that went into effect on July 1, budget season is a year-round activity. We often say that it will be a tough budget year, but this year our community is facing unprecedented Federal policy changes that will cut SNAP benefits and other safety-net services, shifting additional challenges to lower-income households in Montgomery County and demanding more of our service providers that work so hard to care for residents who come to them for help. We have an opportunity and responsibility to educate Montgomery County’s elected officials about food security and food system needs throughout the FY27 budget process.
Beginning in September, County Executive Marc Elrich will be hosting a series of 12 “Community Conversations” on the FY27 County budget. This is the time to start engaging. Let’s show up, share our experiences, and hear the concerns of residents so we can impact the budget in a way that will help create a vibrant and equitable food system that is healthy for our community, economy, and environment. Over the weeks, watch for additional communication from the Montgomery County Food Council on how we can work together to advocate for our community. Register here for our next Food System Advocacy Community Call on Wednesday, September 24 from 1:00 – 2:00 pm.
Mark your calendars now for the sessions below that focus on your service area(s). All but one session will be a hybrid in-person and virtual event. You can read the Press Release, find location details, and sign up to attend sessions virtually here.
- Bethesda-Chevy Chase Community Conversation. Monday, Sept. 8. 7-8:30 p.m. Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Office
- UpCounty Community Conversation. Monday, Sept. 15. 7-8:30 p.m. BlackRock Center for the Arts
- Older Adults Community Conversation at The Beacon 50+ Expo. Sunday, Sept. 28. 3-4:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Center Building In-person only.
- African-Caribbean Diaspora Community Conversation. Monday, Sept. 29. 7-8:30 p.m. Montgomery College, East County Education Center
- East County Community Conversation. Monday, Oct. 6. 7-8:30 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center
- Mid-County Community Conversation. Monday, Oct. 13. 7-8:30 p.m. Wheaton Community Recreation Center
- Spanish Language Community Conversation. Monday, Oct. 27. 7-8:30 p.m. Gaithersburg High School
- MCPS Educators, Parents and Students Community Conversation. Monday, Nov. 3. 7-8:30 p.m. Carver Educational Services Center
- Black/African American Community Conversation. Monday, Nov. 10. 7-8:30 p.m. Mount Calvary Baptist Church
- Older Adults Community Conversation. Thursday, Nov. 13. 12:30-2 p.m. (See press release for specific attendance and location details.)
- Multi-lingual Community Conversation. Monday, Nov. 17. 7-8:30 p.m. Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) This forum will be conducted in English with interpretation services provided in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
- Silver Spring Community Conversation. Tuesday, Nov. 18. 7-8:30 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Center Building Published August 29, 2025