Food insecurity is rising at an alarming rate in our community. According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2025 Hunger Report, 35% of people in the county now experience food insecurity, up from 27% in 2023. This includes more than 27,000 children who lack consistent access to enough nutritious food. Economic pressures are a major driver of this increase, as forty percent of residents report that their financial situation is worsening, and 41% of households affected by federal employment cuts are facing food insecurity. For many families, this means making impossible choices such as deciding between paying for food or covering other basic needs like housing, childcare, healthcare, and transportation.
The cost of living continues to outpace wages. To meet the Self-Sufficiency Standard in Montgomery County, a family of four with two adults, one preschooler, and one school-age child must earn $122,943 per year for basic living expenses, due to the extremely high costs of housing and childcare. Without meaningful support, too many families who are working and contributing to the community are still struggling to put food on the table.
Our Role
In response to the growing need for food assistance, the Montgomery County Food Council works to connect residents with reliable support while strengthening the systems that serve them.
We have developed accessible tools for residents seeking food, including a countywide food assistance resource map and a centralized Food Assistance homepage. Through these resources, residents can connect directly with our Food Resource Specialists, who provide individualized support and pre-screen households for SNAP and other public benefits.
At the same time, we work closely with food assistance providers across the county to support their operations and capacity. By sharing resources, coordinating efforts, and responding to emerging needs, we help ensure that providers are better equipped to serve residents experiencing food insecurity.
Montgomery County government and community partners are working together to ensure all residents have access to nutritious food. Local nonprofits, the Montgomery County Food Council, the Office of Food Systems Resilience, and food assistance providers are expanding services across the County to meet rising needs, including the creation of strategic plans to improve food security that have influenced local policy.
The Food Council collaborates with the Office of Food Systems Resilience and food assistance providers to elevate on-the-ground insights, coordinate efforts, and ensure investments reflect real-time community needs. Through partnership, planning, and shared resources, we help strengthen a responsive and resilient food assistance network countywide.
Montgomery County Food Security Plans Office of Food Systems Resilience Community Food Assistance GrantFeb 9
This Food Security Community Call will focus on the new dietary guidelines.
Feb 11
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.
Feb 24
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.
Feb 25
Join the annual event to convene Montgomery County Farmers to network, provide updates, receive feedback and create a space for conversation with County council members and the agricultural community.
Feb 26
Food Recovery Collaborative/Peer Learning Circles In-person Learning and Networking Event. Open to Food Recovery Collaborative members, OFSR CFA grantees, and Hubs ONLY.
Mar 15
The MoCo Eats Food & Beverage Showcase brings together 100+ restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries, and artisan makers from around the region for one unforgettable culinary experience!