How Manna Tried to Help YOU Prepare to Vote June 24 (VIDEO)

Representatives of one of Manna’s generous donors came for a site visit yesterday and asked, “Does Manna do advocacy or just direct service?” We had a great conversation about the need to balance the demands of distributing food to hungry people with activities that address why people are food insecure in the first place.  In social justice movements, there often can be a tension between lobbying for policies that prevent hunger, homelessness, violence and actively meeting the needs of those who are poor, vulnerable, and victimized.  Luckily on Tuesday, June 24, we in the State of Maryland can do direct action and policy work–by voting.

Earlier this month, thanks to a partnership with Nonprofit Montgomery, Manna hosted a Candidates Forum so that members of our community could meet face-to-face with candidates for the role of County Executive.  Montgomery County Media was good enough to film the event.  As you prepare to exercise your freedom to vote this Tuesday, I encourage you to watch the video below to see how politicians explained how they would serve our neighbors in need.  As we cast our votes, let’s not forget that our community can only truly flourish when all of our residents are living prosperous, self-sufficient lives.

About Jackie DeCarlo

Jackie has joined the Manna Food Center team after 20 years working on international justice issues. As Executive Director she is working to continue Manna's leadership as a center of activity fighting hunger and feeding hope in Montgomery County. A member of local groups such as Green Wheaton and Montgomery Victory Gardens, Jackie and her partner live in Kensington Heights.

View all posts by Jackie DeCarlo