Serve 2000 meals to those in need in Silver Spring

As the new Executive Director of Shepherd’s Table, I want to personally thank you for your generous contribution to our cause of alleviating hunger for our homeless community in Montgomery County.

Thanks in no small part to your gift, we have been able to serve 58,878 meals during the first half of the year to over 1,100 people. In addition, we have served hundreds of people in need of clothing, eye care, legal advice, mail services and other vital social services.

Having had the opportunity to serve meal guests in the kitchen since coming on board, I’ve been amazed at the level of professionalism and efficiency from our staff and volunteers. I’ve also been moved by the expressions of gratitude from our guests. The smoothness of the operation and the immediate impact of the work is truly something to behold.

John F. Kennedy once made the following statement regarding hunger in the United States, “We have the ability, as members of the human race, we have the means, we have the capacity to eliminate hunger from the face of the earth in our lifetime. We only need the will.”

Thanks to you, we have not only the will to alleviate hunger, but more importantly, we have the way in Montgomery County. As such, we serve as an example for other communities across the country committed to ensuring that no one goes to bed hungry and hopeless. 

Thank you so much for your gifts in support of our meal program!

We are excited for the warmer weather, and hope the Spring season is treating you well! Spring is special, as it leads into summer, when we receive fresh produce in abundance from our partners in the farmers markets and local farms. From the Silver Spring Farner's market, Takoma Park farmer's market, Dutch County Farmer's Market, and other donors, we are lucky to receive lots of great greens and veggies and fruits that get served every day!

Last week, our Chef, who is always looking for tasty ways to cook and serve veggies, made an incredible dish: warm chickpeas with caramelized onions, peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon. It tasted as wonderful as it looked, and our meal guests raved about it on their way out of the dining room.

Our Chefs, well trained professionals, are constantly finding ways to be more creative with the donations we receive. As they cook meals for a very vulnerable population, they balance the nutritional value of their meals with the taste and visual appeal of what they serve. The quality of the food and community in the dining room brings returning meal guests who are experiencing hunger and food insecurity. Many will travel far distances to make it here for breakfast or lunch or dinner. We take great pride in what we serve, and are thrilled that our meal guests agree. 

Our meal program staff are also paying attention to the special dietary needs of guests with diabetes or heart-related ailments, and working with a dietician to create appropriate meal plans. In this first quarter of 2019, we have served 31,694 meals, which is slightly higher than the same period last year.

As we look for ways to strengthen our program, we are grateful for YOU, for supporting this vital program that saves lives and brings smiles every day!