Engage with your community and local food system at these upcoming events in September 2026! See our events page for a full list of Food Council and partner events.
County Level
Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board
Application open until filled
Community help is needed to fill 11 openings on the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board. Businesses, nonprofits, and residents—especially those in the Rockville Pike Corridor—are encouraged to apply. The Board advises County leadership on local priorities such as transportation, human services, and public safety. Applicants of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply here.
Nonprofit Partner Offerings
CCACC Health Annual Free Blood Test Service
September 1st – September 30th, every Monday – Friday
CCACC Health will provide FREE blood test services to eligible individuals in the month of September, and individuals can return in October for our annual health fair to discuss their results for FREE with a primary care physician. Eligibility: Anyone who did not have a health check for the past 12 months and/or uninsured. Blood test is by appointment only, please register here.
Maryland Extension and Master Gardeners: Planting Knowledge Classes
Sep 5, Oct 3 I 11:00 am- 12:00pm I In Person
There are two more opportunities to attend Garden Educational Classes in Allegany County with University of Maryland Extension Master Gardeners. September 5 will cover Native Plants for Landscaping and October 3rd will cover Indoor Growing and Hydroponics, at Christ Lutheran Church Community Garden. Register here.
North American Food Systems Network, Finding Your Future In Food Systems
September 8 I 6pm (virtual)
Are you an emerging food systems professional? Are you in career transition, seeking a job in community food work? This series is for you! Finding Your Future in Food Systems provides participants with connections and insights to help them identify next steps in their careers. The series features speakers from job-creating organizations, agencies, and businesses, some working locally, others with national or international scope. Produced by college students for college students and others. Register here.
Maryland Hunger Solutions’ Specialized SNAP Training
September 14 I 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
This specialized virtual SNAP training will introduce an overview of SNAP for Immigrants and Mixed-Status Households. Join to learn more about the SNAP eligibility requirements, the application process, and common challenges. They will also share practical strategies for navigating the program, and additional support resources, with opportunity for Q & A. Register here.
34th Annual Burtonsville Day Festival
September 19 I 10:00am – 3:00pm
The Burtonsville Day Celebration is an annual community festival that brings together the diverse residents of Burtonsville, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, county and state officials, school leaders, and children of all ages. The event activities include a parade, floats, business displays, live bands, craft fairs, games for children, food vendors and health care and government services.
Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival
September 19 I 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the Hispanic community at Wheaton’s Hispanic Heritage Month Unity Festival! Mark your calendar for an afternoon of culture, community, celebration, and unity as we come together to honor Hispanic heritage in Montgomery County. More information and event details coming soon here.
Nonprofit Montgomery: Metrics, Outcomes, and Responsible Evaluation
Fall Cohort Begins September 24
Not sure how to evaluate your programs and work? Ready to take your data to the next level for grant applications and reporting? Nonprofit Montgomery’s MORE Training helps nonprofits learn about evaluation, and offers a deep dive into measuring impact and gauging program effectiveness. Learn more and register here.
Healthcare Initiative Foundation FY27 Grant Cycle
Three September Grant Orientation Sessions
The portal for the FY27 Fall Grant Cycle will open on October 1, 2026 and close on October 15, 2026. To be eligible to apply, an organization must have at least one representative attend one of the three virtual Grant Orientation Training sessions. During these sessions, the HIF team will review the strategic and funding priorities, share grant guidelines, discuss the FY27 Fall Grant application and timeline, and highlight changes to grant cycle eligibility and timing. The September 18th training will be recorded. Viewing the recorded session qualifies as attending a training session. Register for the orientation sessions here, September 9, September 18, September 24. Learn more about the grant here.
Help Shape Nutrition Services in Maryland Medicaid
Input due by October 14, by 5pm
The Maryland Department of Health is exploring how to build food and nutrition services into Maryland’s Medicaid program and wants your input! Maryland Department of Health plans to use In Lieu of Services and Settings (ILOS) authority to meet health-related medical needs with programs such as medically tailored meals and produce prescriptions for eligible Medicaid enrollees beginning in 2028. ILOS gives Medicaid managed care organizations the option to provide Department approved services as cost effective alternatives to, or complements of, traditional covered services. Medicaid enrollees, providers, community leaders, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback using the Request for Information (RFI) form available here.
Apply for Free and Reduced-price Meals (FARMS) Today
The FARMs application is available online now. Households meeting federal income standards are eligible for free school meals, but must apply to receive this benefit. Students enrolled at these 60 schools receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. Please submit the online FARMS application through MySchoolApps (translations available). For more information about additional benefits, how to videos, and frequently asked questions, visit the Department of Food and Nutrition Services website.
Learn About the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) provides eligible seniors with benefit cards that can be used to purchase locally grown fruits, vegetables, honey, and more at participating farmers markets, roadside stands, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs throughout Montgomery County. Read more in a new blog by the Office of Food System’s Resilience here.