Thanksgiving is just days away. While many people will hold celebrations with their family that will include turkey and all of the trimmings, some will struggle to put food on their tables.
Groups such as the nonprofit organization, So What Else, are trying to make a difference this holiday season.
“It’s our busiest time of the year, food wise. It’s Thanksgiving, so there are a lot of families looking for assistance,” said Megan Joe, So What Else’s executive director for its Hunger Relief Program.
Food Insecurity Up This Year
Joe said the demand for assistance is up this year. she said food insecurity has been a problem in the County for years. However, during the pandemic, conditions worsened. Now, four years later, the problem is as bad as or worse than it was during the pandemic.
“Grocery store prices are high and the cost of living is high. A lot of people are working two to three jobs so they can support their families. While others are struggling to get a job because they do not speak English or they do not have the proper documentation,” Joe said.
“That is happening all year round, and then once you get to the holidays, these families in need are just like every other family. They want to get together with relatives. They want to have a big, bountiful meal just like everyone else,” she added.
Handing Out Meals
Over the next few days leading up to Thanksgiving, So What Else will help distribute food to about 24,000 families in the County. That will translate into more than 100,000 meals. The group is in need of volunteers to make the distribution go smoothly. Volunteers will work between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25 through Wednesday, November 27. So What Else also is still collecting food donations.
The group distributes food in a variety of ways. Its warehouse is located at 4924 Wyaconda Road in North Bethesda. People in need can make an appointment in advance to pick up food at the warehouse. On Saturday, there was an option for people to drive up and get a mixed box or bag of food. So What Else also offers a home delivery program. Volunteers will drop off food to people without transportation or who have disabilities that prevent them from coming to the warehouse in person.
On Wednesday, Nov. 27 So What Else also will distribute food at Lake Forest Mall. Organizers will set up booths similar to a Farmer’s Market and people can pick out the food they want. The distribution will take place between 10 a.m. and noon.
Donations From The Community
So What Else has received donations from the community, and critical contributions from several area businesses and farms. The Whole Foods warehouse has donated food that will help feed more than 3,000 families. Mama Lucia donated $25,000 that allowed So What Else to buy whole chickens from a supplier in Baltimore. The community-based charity, Yellow Boomerang, also has made a significant contribution.
“We also received donations from FarmLINK. The group provided truckloads of cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. We also have had contributions from Trader Joe’s, Amazon Fresh, and smaller grocery stores,” Joe said.
Help Still Needed
So What Else is still looking for help. People who would like to volunteer and help distribute food should contact the group. Organizers also say it would be greatly appreciated if any volunteers can bring with them a turkey, ham, or other food supplies when they come in to help.
Here is a link for more information: sowhatelse.org
