Annual Montgomery County ‘Give and Ride Food Drive’ to Run from May 25 – 31
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 22, 2025
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) and Manna Food Center are asking Montgomery County residents to help fight hunger in Montgomery County. The annual Ride On Food Drive will take place from Sunday, May 25, to Saturday, May 31. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off on all Ride On, extRa, Flex and Flash buses. Riders who donate food will have their bus fare waived.
MCDOT has conducted the food drive for more than 30 years in partnership with Manna Food Center.
“This food drive is a simple and powerful way to help our neighbors who are struggling,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “More than a third of our County residents do not have reliable access to nutritious food, and Federal budget cuts have left community food banks struggling to fill the need. I want to thank MCDOT and Manna Food Center for continuing this partnership year after year. Hunger shouldn’t exist in a community with the resources we have, and every can, every box of pasta, every donated item makes a real difference. If you’re riding the bus and you’re able to give, please do, it’s one small act that can go a long way.”
Food collected during the drive will be distributed by Manna Food Center through its network of locations across the County. Last year, Manna Food Center donated more than four million pounds of food to more than 60,000 participants.
“MCDOT has partnered with Manna Food Center for 32 years to help combat hunger in Montgomery County,” said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. “Last year, the Ride On Food Drive collected more than 2,000 pounds of food for Manna Food Center. We hope to collect even more this year. We know there is an even greater need in our community, so I hope those who are able to contribute will do so.”
In addition to County Ride On buses, food donations will also be accepted at the following locations:
- Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Boulevard , Bethesda.
- Gaithersburg Library, 18330 Montgomery Village Avenue , Gaithersburg.
- Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Avenue , Silver Spring.
- Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street , Rockville.
- Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Road , Olney.
- Stella Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue , Rockville.
- Wheaton Headquarters Building, 2425 Reedie Drive , Wheaton.
- White Oak Library, 11701 New Hampshire Avenue , Silver Spring.
Manna Food Center is a leader in the fight against hunger and food waste in Montgomery County. Through innovative partnerships and solutions, Manna collects food and delivers it to families in need through pop-up pantries, school-based programs, education and community food rescue and a Farm to Food Bank program.
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“The need for food support in our community continues to rise,” said Craig Rice, CEO of Manna Food Center. “Every can and box donated during this drive will help a neighbor facing hunger. We’re counting on the generosity of Montgomery County to ensure no one is left behind. Thank you for stepping up to help.”
Manna Food’s website lists the following items as high-need: instant oatmeal, brown rice, whole grain pasta, canned tuna, beans, shelf-stable milk boxes, cooking oils and spices.
Learn more and view a list of much-needed items as well as all drop-off locations here .
Release ID: 25-092
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282
For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=47116