From the Director’s Corner

According to a recent Giving USA 2023 report, total charitable giving by corporations, foundations, individuals and bequests to support the work of nonprofit organizations dropped 10.5 percent in 2022, following two years of record generosity. This is sobering news, since we know the need for many services continues to grow.

At MUM, we really appreciate it when grantors, the faith community, community partners and neighbors give resources to ensure that MUM can continue to fulfill its mission. As we start the new fiscal year, MUM is grateful for continued partnerships with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), the Emergency Assistance Coalition (EAC), Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Macy’s. DHHS has committed to providing funds which will help support MUM’s utility shut-off prevention program, as well as funds to cover some personnel costs. Through a different county grant, the CAFB will provide produce boxes for MUM’s clients over the next several months. That grant will also cover food purchases through CAFB for our mobile and in-office food pantries. As a founding member of the EAC, Interfaith Works has also renewed its grant to provide eviction prevention assistance to MUM clients. Once again this year, the Enterprise Holdings Foundation and Macy’s awarded MUM unrestricted grants which will be used for general operations.

MUM is also excited about new grants awarded over the past several months. We will be able to purchase fresh produce for our clients with a grant from Broadway Cares. A Cloudbreak Foundation Grant will help more of our community members stay in their homes rather than face eviction. Earlier this year, a mini-grant from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services and Manna Food Center’s Community Food Rescue Program allowed MUM to purchase a commercial refrigerator and freezer to increase our capacity to store fresh produce and lean proteins for distribution to our clients. MUM was also recently awarded funds through the Montgomery County Department of Transportation Targeted and Specialized Mobility Operating Grant which helps to cover some of the costs associated with our mobile food pantry. We have also cultivated food rescue relationships with local farms and farmer’s markets, including Rocking Horse Community Farm, Garrett Park Farmers Market, Harvest Share and individual donors to acquire more healthy produce for our clients.

In addition, we thank the faithful congregations and individuals who have supported MUM over the years, as well as new donors who have provided food and financial resources to support our programming. We are particularly grateful for St. Catherine Labouré Catholic Church in Wheaton which has donated over 7,000 pounds of food in the first six months of 2023. We also very much appreciate the fundraisers and food drives that several supporters have organized to support MUM’s work over the past year. MUM truly could not fulfill its mission without the many volunteers who are critical partners in working with our neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet.

As we emerge from the pandemic, our biggest challenge is to secure grants and other funds to cover our general operating costs, so unrestricted giving is especially important in helping to support MUM’s work and staff. To meet the demand for services during these difficult times, and continue to operate our mobile food pantry, MUM continues to seek additional funding and new partnerships to meet the demand for our services.

Dayna Brown
Executive Director

Thanks for Supporting MUM ….

… at Give a Hoot Comedy Club

Thanks to everyone who shared in the fun, and to Give a Hoot Comedy Club, which supported MUM with its shows on June 30 and July 1. The show featuring comedian Joey Callahan raised $250 for MUM thanks to your support!

… through Stamp Out Hunger 2023

Our final tally was 9,278 pounds collected through local mail carriers in May! This food helps us to feed hungry neighbors! Thanks to the many volunteers who made the food drive a success!

… through Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church and the Emery Family Pig Roast

A total of 600 pounds of food and $1,425 in cash was donated at these two local fundraising events! Thanks to all who organized, hosted, and shared resources to help MUM help neighbors in need!

Remember – If You’ve Got a Garden, Plant a Row for MUM!

If you have a garden plot, participate in a community garden, or just have a few pots on your balcony, please consider planting a little extra to donate to MUM. MUM will gladly take your bumper crop of zucchini, tomatoes, greens, peppers, potatoes and any other produce you can provide to share with those in need. As always, your gifts to MUM – including produce – are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Give us a call when you’re ready to drop off your donation at the office (where we have refrigeration) or at our mobile food pantry. In the meantime, we wish you all the best this planting season!

If you have a creative idea for a food drive or fundraiser for MUM, please let us know. We would welcome the opportunity to partner with you.

MUM Office and Food Pantry Schedules

MUM’s office and in-office food pantry are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 4pm. Appointments for assistance with eviction prevention and utilities, can be made by contacting the MUM office by telephone at 301-929-8675, by fax at 301-929-8234, or by email at office@mumhelp.org.

As we advised early in the Summer, we are currently operating one mobile food pantry on the first Sunday of the month at Aspen Hill Christian Church. See Schedule English | Española.

MUM continues to rely on donations of food, time and money to continue our operations – and we are so grateful for those who support our work in so many ways. Thanks for your support of MUM’s work to meet the ongoing needs of our neighbors. We make it easy to donate money, food, and time!

How to donate funds | How to donate food | How to volunteer