As we announced in December, our year-end goal was to raise $20,000. MUM’s active Board of Directors agreed to match year-end donations up to $10,000. And thanks to many generous contributions, we made that goal by the end of the calendar year! Thank you for your generosity, which allows us to continue to support our neighbors in need!

As we come to the end of the year, MUM once again is grateful for all of you. 2022 included more opportunities for MUM to raise awareness and funds in the community, with the return of Stamp Out Hunger and Taste of Wheaton, and the second annual HalloWheaton event!

From the Director’s Corner

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, I want to share my sincere gratitude for the many donors and volunteers who make MUM’s work possible. Without their gifts of time, talent, food, and money, MUM would not be able to feed around 500 households each month and provide emergency financial assistance to those experiencing financial emergencies. November 29 is GivingTuesday, and MUM is participating again this year in this global celebration and expression of generosity. Supporting MUM through GivingTuesday is an opportunity to support your local neighbors facing financial challenges.

From the Director’s Corner

Thank you for continuing to support MUM’s work! In the last six months since I joined MUM as the Executive Director, we have fully opened our office and in-office food pantry. During this time, we have seen a steady increase in the numbers of people calling and coming to our office for food and to apply for emergency financial assistance for rent and to prevent evictions, for utility assistance to prevent shut-offs and for prescription drug assistance.

The Montgomery County Food Council is looking for input from residents to guide the development of new strategies to end hunger among children and youth in the county and has launched a short, 16-question Childhood Hunger survey. Results of the survey will inform program implementation, policy development, and future funding priorities.

While life is returning to normal for some people, many in our community continue to experience food insecurity and financial difficulties from the effects of the covid-pandemic and rising costs of living in Montgomery County.