Engage with your community and local food system at these upcoming events in May 2026! See our events page for a full list of Food Council and partner events.
County Level
Community Action Board Seeks New Members
May 8 | Deadline to Apply
The Community Action Board, an anti-poverty group that advocates for policies that address the needs of lower-income County residents, has at least one open seat for a representative of the low‑income community. Learn more and apply here.
Countywide Strategic Plan: Public Input Survey
May 15 | Deadline for Input
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation has launched a new dedicated web page for the Countywide Strategic Plan. The web page is a dedicated space where Montgomery County businesses, residents, and elected officials can check in on the plan’s progress, review key milestones, and submit questions and comments. A public input survey will be available until May 15th. Take the survey here.
County Executive Candidates Forum
May 20 | 7:00 pm, East County Community Recreation Center
In anticipation of the 2026 Gubernatorial primary on June 23, the East County Citizens Coalition will host a forum to hear from the County Executive candidates.
Non-Profit Partner Offerings
North American Food Systems Network, Finding Your Food Future Series
May 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Are you an emerging food systems professional? Are you in a career transition, seeking a job in community food work? This series is for you! The Finding Your Food Future series provides participants with connections and insights to help them identify next steps in their careers. Meet speakers from a wide variety of sectors within the food systems profession: policy & advocacy, market development, food access initiatives, value chain development, education, and farming, both urban and rural. Register for the 2026 spring series here.
Food Scrap Fest
May 9 | 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Join Compost Crew at One Acre Farm for their annual Food Scrap Fest to celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with your local composter! Their crew will walk you through the magic behind processing food scraps into nutrient-rich compost. After, join the One Acre Farm team for a tour of the farm and learn about what’s in the ground this Spring and stay for some family friendly activities. Compost and a farm CSA can be preordered with your ticket. Register here.
Shepherd’s Table: Culinary Skills Training Program
May 10 | Applications Due | Class in session form June 8- August 28
Do you love to cook? Why not prepare for a job in food preparation and cooking with Shepherd’s Table’s 16-week career starter program? The program includes 12 weeks of hands-on training in a professional kitchen, followed by a 4-week segment designed to provide structured field opportunities for gaining additional experience in the culinary field. Students should graduate from the program ready to work in the food service industry and sustain employment with a ServSafe food handler certification, and professional kitchen experience. Apply here. For more information, contact ewerber@shepherdstable.org.
Future Harvest Small Tool and Equipment Demo
May 13 | 2:00 -3:00 pm
Ever think about purchasing a new tool, but wish you could try it out first? Wish granted! Join Future Harvest for a small tools & equipment demo with host Farmer Renee Padmore-Baccus. She will lead a deep dive into the specialized hand tools and walk-behind equipment that power her intensive, regenerative vegetable operation. You’ll get a firsthand look at how these tools maintain soil health, increase efficiency, and reduce physical strain. Register here.
Nonprofit Montgomery: City of Rockville Nonprofit Symposium
May 14 | 8:00am – 11:50am
Through interactive discussions, participants will explore shared challenges, identify opportunities for partnership, and align efforts to better serve the Rockville community. Hear directly from the Mayor and Council, gain perspective from fellow nonprofit and community leaders, and take part in small group conversations that offer a space to connect, learn, and move forward together, united for impact. View the schedule and list of speakers and register here.
Pedal Into Action: Bike to Work Day Returns
May 15 | Bike pit stop hours vary from 6am – 1pm
Join Bike to Work Day activities taking place throughout the morning to celebrate bicycling as a fun, healthy, and climate-friendly way to travel. Free pit stops will be available across the region, including 15 in Montgomery County, with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation sponsoring eight locations that will feature music, snacks, raffles, and vendors. The first 18,000 bicyclists to register and participate will receive a free t-shirt, and will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a new bike. Register here.
So What Else: Metro Move Fest
May 17 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Bethesda Chevy Chase High School
This inclusive event will feature a mix of competitive and recreational movement experiences, fitness activities, and opportunities for all ages and ability levels to participate. Ticket sales and donations go directly toward advancing So What Else’s food rescue and redistribution efforts. Their goal is to send 200 families that So What Else serves to the event for free! Buy tickets or sponsor a family to attend here.
5th Annual Crossroads Community Food Fair
May 17 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Laurel Avenue Streetery, Takoma Park
Come for the food and stay for the live music and free face painting! There is something delicious for everyone, and the event will be held rain or shine. Enjoy an incredible variety of sweet and savory dishes from 14+ local food businesses, a mix of current entrepreneurs and alumni from Crossroads’ TPSS Community Kitchen. From Latin American staples like pupusas, tacos, and empanadas to rich Ethiopian and Peruvian stews and gourmet mac-n-cheese, there is truly something for everyone. Save room for dessert with decadent baked goods, handcrafted cotton candy, and unique Haitian sweets, all paired perfectly with locally roasted Guatemalan coffee.
Spring Job Fair- Interagency Commission on Homelessness
May 27 | 11:00am – 2:00pm
This Job Fair is specifically designed for individuals at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness and those who are served by PSH and RRH programs. Attendees may register here. For employers interested in tabling at this event, fill out this form.
Crossroads Farmers Market
Wednesdays, 10:30am – 2:30pm | University Blvd. E. & Anne St. Takoma Park
The Crossroads Farmers market has opened for its 20th season! This market is a lively community gathering space for people of all backgrounds and incomes, where families, foodies, neighbors, gardeners, live-music fans, and coffee lovers meet every Wednesday afternoon to eat lunch and stock up on fresh ingredients for the week ahead. They accept card, cash, SNAP, WIC FMNP, SFMNP, P-EBT and Fresh Checks. The Fresh Checks Program doubles your WIC / SNAP up to $50. That’s $100 worth in fruits and veggies for benefits recipients. Seniors above 65 years of age will continue to receive $5 in Fresh Checks every week. For more information, click here.
City of Gaithersburg Immigration Resources
The city is sharing two documents in multiple languages for immigration resources and support. The Emergency Preparedness Resource Guide for Immigrant Families document acknowledges that immigration enforcement is increasing, and it presents planning recommendations for anyone who may be concerned about being targeted. This document is a resource tool to help families prepare as well as possible for the possibility of being detained. The Immigration Resources and Support document is a comprehensive list of local organizations providing immigration assistance, rental and utility support, food distribution, health and mental health services, shelter access, and employment programs. For additional information, contact Community Services at 301‑258‑6395 or communityservices@gaithersburgmd.gov.