Thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers, Mid-County United Ministries (MUM), which since 1996 has provided a safety net for the working poor, the disabled, the elderly on fixed incomes, and the unemployed, has continued to support the community during this emergency!

In order to protect clients and staff, MUM’s main office, which has been closed since April 1, will remain closed at least through May 31. Mobile pantry dates continue, as outlined here in English and Spanish.

During this time, you can reach MUM at 301-929-8675 or office@mumhelp.org. MUM continues to check voicemail daily and return all phone calls. MUM will arrange drop-off/pick-up of food donations. If there is a need to schedule an appointment to further meet the need of a caller, one will be scheduled either by phone or in person.

MUM’s Sunday mobile pantry hours have continued with great success. See photos of the events described below here:

• On April 5 MUM’s mobile pantry set a new record for food distributed in a single day, serving 52 clients! Most of the clients served that day were receiving food from MUM for the first time. Thanks to the generosity of donors, our distribution on that day also included apples, greens, and bread.
  
• Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, brought another record-breaking distribution, when MUM was able to serve just over 100 clients, never running out of food. Thanks to Macy’s for the generous donation of Godiva Chocolate Easter Bunnies, which were distributed to children who came with their parents that day! Special thanks to all the volunteers who supported distribution on the holiday, including brand new MUM volunteer, Fernando, who made things easier for everyone by welcoming all Spanish speakers.
  
• Continuing this success, MUM served 104 clients on Sunday, April 19. Each received a 20-pound bag of non-perishable food items and a small bag of fresh produce and bread. Special thanks to Manna Food Center (Manna) for donating 104 one-gallon jugs of milk. Their generosity made it possible for each client who wanted one to receive a gallon of fresh milk.
  
• On April 26, MUM continued to provide food to a record number of clients – 103 all told – during its mobile pantry operation at PepperTree Farms in Aspen Hill. Manna, once again, donated 100 gallons of milk. MUM is so thankful for their generosity.

Of course, MUM’s ability to serve clients during the COVID-19 crisis depends, as always, on donations of money, food, and time. Along with the donations from Macy’s and Manna, MUM also thanks Oak Chapel United Methodist Church for its recent donation of more than 1200 pounds of food. In addition, your monetary donations in response to MUM Executive Director Larry White’s appeal letter, brought in over $27,500.00. THANK YOU! Your generosity is truly helping to make a difference in our community during this difficult time as MUM is using these resources to purchase food from Capital Area Food Bank and our local grocery stores to meet the growing food-insecurity needs in our area.

These donations have allowed MUM to serve record numbers of clients through the mobile pantry during the month of April. We now move into May. As we continue to face this unfamiliar reality of COVID-19 together, PLEASE remember our neighbors in need and donate to allow MUM to continue the work it has been successfully doing during this first month of crisis! To help, donate money or any of the shelf stable food items* listed below:

• Protein
  • Canned tuna, Salmon, or chicken
  • Dry or canned beans
  • Nut butters; i.e., peanut
• Grains
  • Breakfast cereals
  • Oatmeal
  • Rice (1, 2, or 3-pound bags)
  • Pasta
• Canned goods
  • Vegetables
  • Fruit
  • Soups
  • Pasta sauces
• Miscellaneous
  • Oil
  • Shelf stable milk
  • Infant formula and baby food
  • Mac and Cheese

*MUM’s office is currently closed. To donate food, please call the MUM office at 301-929-8675 or email office@mumhelp.org to arrange drop off/pick-up of your donation. Thank you!