Food Insecurity Reduction Grants

To mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the community and support the rebuilding of a more community-centered food system, the City of Takoma Park dedicated $250,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to address two significant areas: (1) increase access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, and (2) provide, secure, and distribute nutritious, quality food to disadvantaged and underserved individuals and families in the City.

The City announced the Food Insecurity Reduction grants award to four qualified organizations. A grant of $35,000 was awarded to CHEER to conduct outreach, education, and enrollment of eligible residents in the SNAP program. Grants of $20,000 each were awarded to three nonprofit organizations, Small Things Matter, FRESHFARMS Markets Inc., and Washington DC Meals on Wheels Inc. These groups will use this funding to distribute food to residents in need throughout the City.

Meals on Wheels (MOW) of Takoma Park/Silver Spring

MOW delivers deliciously prepared meals (one hot and one cold each weekday) to homebound neighbors who cannot get out to get groceries or prepare their own meals easily. The clientele includes individuals with disabilities; people who are ill, recovering, or in medical treatment; and seniors. Meals on Wheels serves regardless of age and on a sliding scale to all income levels.

For MOW food help, call (301) 434-1922 or visit www.mowtakoma.org to learn more and send a request for delivery.

Small Things Matter

Small Things Matter (STM) serves Takoma Park residents in need of food support. Residents must provide a government-issued ID or recent utility bill as proof of residency in Takoma Park. Those who qualify will be invited to pick up food at community distributions two times per month and at teen pantry distributions. Small Things Matter delivers produce to Hampshire Tower, Essex House, Maple View, Park Ritchie, Colonnade on the Creek, Edinburgh House, Park View, and Cambridge/Winslow. They also share food with the four community food pantries in the TP/SS neighborhood.

For STM food help, contact Roxanne Yamashita at (202) 669-8550 or email Roxanne.

CHEER

Community Health and Empowerment Through Education and Research (CHEER) provides access to health and wellness resources for Takoma Park and Long Branch residents, including assistance with enrollment in SNAP and health insurance programs for eligible individuals. CHEER also offers Diabetes Prevention, Fitness, and Nutrition classes. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes and low access to food have a special program to get access to healthy food and personal support for the management of diabetes.

For CHEER help, email CHEER, call (301) 589-3633, or visit their website at https://www.communitycheer.org/health.

FRESHFARM

FRESHFARM provides high-quality local produce through a Pop-Up Food Hub at local farmers ‘ markets to deliver healthy, affordable produce to individuals and community organizations, including early care centers, health clinics, senior centers, and school programs. Through the PUFH, FRESHFARM also provides the Market Share Program, a CSA-style produce bag subscription that provides consistent weekly access to fresh produce throughout the season. Market Share shoppers pick up a 10-12 item mixed bag of produce from convenient pick-up sites, subsidized at 75-90% so that shoppers using SNAP, WIC, and SMFNP only spend $8 a week to feed a family of four (retail value is $40).

For FRESHFARM help, contact FRESHFARM, call (202) 391-7353, or visit their website at https://www.freshfarm.org/.