At the Montgomery County Food Council, we know that addressing the root cause of food insecurity requires a holistic approach to serving our neighbors in Montgomery County. We aim to serve as a community connector not just to meet immediate food needs, but also to help residents build nutrition and economic security. That’s why we’re reintroducing our SNAP Team under a new name: Food Resource Specialists.
This name reflects the deeper, broader work our team does every day to meet people where they are. Whether our team of Food Resource Specialists are helping someone apply for SNAP, find a food pantry, or understand their eligibility for multiple programs, our Food Resource Specialists are guides, advocates, and connectors. They don’t just help people apply for benefits—they help people get connected and find support.
Meet the Team
Allison Schnitzer, Co-Executive Director of the Montgomery County Food Council, leads the team of Food Resource Specialists. Allison has 4 years of experience with nutrition benefit program enrollment. Our Food Resource Specialists have a combined 8 years of experience helping residents obtain food assistance. We interviewed the team to learn more about how they serve residents in Montgomery County.
How the Food Resource Specialists Can Help
The Food Resource Specialists, previously known as the SNAP team, screen residents for more than just SNAP eligibility. Residents seeking assistance could be eligible for various programs such as WIC, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), MC Groceries, FARMs (school meals), farmers market nutrition programs and local emergency food providers.
Our team of Food Resource Specialists strives to build trust and connection with residents. Febe says, “It takes a lot of empathy and patience.” Every day the team works to connect residents to the resources they need. This often involves collecting documentation and helping residents navigate technology. On any given day, the team may be connecting a client to rent or utility assistance, checking benefits status, or referring residents to additional resources.
Whether residents need food assistance or other resources, “we always try to connect them with a resource and refer them” says Dani. When a client reaches out for assistance they will be directed to one of our Specialists. A Food Resource Specialist will guide the client through a series of steps, starting with a screener to determine what services the client may be eligible for. If a client is not eligible for a certain program, the Food Resource Specialist works to recommend a program they may be interested in and eligible for.
Education about Benefits
Sharon noted that many new residents have misconceptions about SNAP and U.S. Immigration laws. Our Food Resource Specialists are informed about these laws and can educate residents who may be hesitant to apply.
Residents responded to an anonymous survey sharing that “It’s good to have help filling out the application because it’s often complicated and we can’t complete it alone.” When we asked Sharon what advice she would give to residents reaching out for assistance, she said, “Just reach out to us to see if you are eligible. Get educated and then make the choice.”
Overview of Programs
Not only are the specialists knowledgeable about navigating paperwork and processes, but they are housed within the strong network created by The Montgomery County Food Council. The Food Council has relationships with community based organizations and County government offices that offer programs to assist Montgomery County residents. Learn more about these resources here.
Our Food Resource Specialist team is here to educate residents about resources and connect them to assistance. When asked why they enjoy their work, Dani answered, “I enjoy knowing that I helped improve their life.” That sense of purpose drives our team every day. Behind every phone call, email, or appointment is a neighbor reaching out for support—and our Food Resource Specialists are committed to showing up with compassion and knowledge.
Whether someone is navigating food assistance for the first time or needs help renewing their benefits, our team is ready to provide guidance at every step. We believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right, and through this work, we’re helping build a healthier, more resilient Montgomery County.
Visit https://mocofoodcouncil.org/food-security/resources-for-residents/ for our newly updated Food Assistance Resource Center. If you or a resident you know needs assistance, please contact our Food Resource Specialists at (301) 818-3614 or SNAP@mocofoodcouncil.org. To request a training on food resources in Montgomery County, contact Allison Schnitzer at allison@mocofoodcouncil.org.
Published on: Aug 4, 2025