Food System Spotlights!

The Montgomery County Food Council is excited to announce our “Food System Spotlights”, inviting you to share your appreciation for the people and organizations (including nonprofits, faith communities, for-profit businesses, food assistance providers, and individuals) engaged in food system initiatives in our community. Please help us tell the story of these partner’s contributions to our shared mission in any of the following areas:

• Increasing food justice and access for the over 100,000 at risk for hunger
• Expanding food education opportunities for all residents
• Supporting our County’s farms and food and beverage businesses
• Addressing the impact of local food production, distribution, consumption and recycling on our natural resources

If you would like to nominate yourself or other partners please use this form to indicate what person or organization would you like to recognize for their contributions to our local food system, along with a 1-2 paragraph summary of the impact of the nominee and a photo or image. 

The Food Council will regularly highlight food community leaders and organizations nominated through this form on our social media, newsletter, and website, in an ongoing #FoodSystemSpotlight feature celebrating the critical initiatives that are cultivating a robust, sustainable, and equitable food system in our County and region. 

Please feel free to contact Beza Tenna at Bezawit@mocofoodcouncil.org with any questions!

Spotlights:

Nominee: Marla Caplon, Food Coordinator, MoCo Food Security Task Force

“Marla is passionate about food security at all levels. She is the ultimate strategic partner. During the Pandemic, she came to the rescue for Rainbow and the partners who needed assistance acquiring food for their distributions. She has been and is always available to help. Early in the pandemic, she coordinated the delivery and distribution of food from various sources. We referred 8 agencies around the County and she quickly responded to acquire shelf-stable food, fresh produce and USDA Combo boxes for them and continues to do so (Guru Nanak Foundation of America, Iglesia Bautista de Washington, Lady of Our Savior Episcopal, Liberty Grove UMC, Oak Grove AME Zion, Peoples Community Baptist, Southern Bethany Baptist and Washington Spanish SDA Church) ensuring that none of our residents are food insecure. Through our Save Restaurants Securing Families Project, Marla ensured that sandwich meals were delivered to 180 students in Gaithersburg. Each of these agencies serves over 300 households weekly. She personally visits each restaurant and ensures that safety guidelines are in place and adhered to. Marla goes out of her way to make sure that each agency she works with receives whatever resource we need to have successful distributions. If families need food, clothes, school supplies, or shelter, Marla is on it. She will go to the ends of the earth to help you find the resources you need. Marla takes time to follow up when we miss deadlines, which is over and beyond expectation. Marla works tirelessly all hours of the day; I know first-hand from late night calls and emails. She gives of her time unselfishly to make sure others don’t lack. She is a one-of-a kind team player.” –  Colleagues at Rainbow Community Development Center