Ride On bus riders will be able to contribute non-perishable food items as the Department of Transportation’s Ride On food drive joins partners Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Regional Services Centers to benefit Manna Food Center.
The drive will be held Sunday, May 15 to Sunday, May 22. A food donation bag will be available next to the fareboxes on all Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses, officials said.
“We must ensure that no one in Montgomery County goes hungry,” County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release. “Food insecurity was prevalent before the pandemic hit—and COVID-19 made it even worse. So many people lost jobs and higher food prices continue to make it exceedingly difficult for families to make ends meet.”
“Food insecurity is prevalent, but often goes unnoticed. Before the pandemic hit, one in 12 people in Montgomery County were estimated to experience food insecurity,” added MCDOT Director Chris Conklin.
In addition to the buses, residents can drop items locally at the Silver Spring Regional Service Center at Veterans Place, the Long Branch Library at 8800 Garland Ave., the White Oak Library at 11701 New Hampshire Ave. and the East County Community Recreation Center at 3310 Gateshead Manor Way.
All food donations will go to Manna Food Center for distribution to those in need.
MCDOT graphic