In the spring of 2020, as the pandemic hit our community hard, a small group of St. John’s leaders met with our local County Council representative to discuss what we could do to help. From that discussion, the Nourishing Bethesda food distribution was born.
Though we had no experience in this work, St. John’s deployed its organizational skills and networks to rally volunteer and financial support from many generous local partners. In August 2020, Nourishing Bethesda began operations: acquiring, packing and offering nourishing food to all who came in need to our distribution site at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. At our first distribution, we served 100 families, about 400 people. Soon, lines of cars stretched around the block and deep into downtown Bethesda.
Today, five years later, Nourishing Bethesda, now a 501c3, feeds about 7,000 people per month - offering a choice market where people choose what they need, delivering recovered and fresh food to schools, low income housing units and shelters, meeting the deep and unrecognized need we discovered in our community.
And at Nourishing Bethesda, we feed not only bodies but souls. Operating from the belief that no one thrives unless everyone thrives, our volunteers and clients form a warm and connected community of mutual respect, caring, and compassion.
We congratulate Nourishing Bethesda on 5 years of exceptional service and we thank St. John’s for its incredible contribution to fighting food insecurity in our community by making Nourishing Bethesda possible!
Read the remarks of Founding Executive Director John Ross, delivered at the 5th anniversary celebration, watch parishioner Jay’s anniversary video, and donate or sign up to join our welcoming volunteer community at nourishingbethesda.org. Put your faith in action!
Questions?
Complete this form to connect with the Rev. Ann Derse, Deacon & Minister for Community Engagement.