Food Access Resources
The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) is dedicated to the well-being of students on campus, including basic needs such as food and toiletries. USG is pleased to offer a number of resources and programs on and off campus for students who may need this assistance. Learn more about these resources and programs, as well as how to access them below.
The Center for Scholarships oversees on-site and promotes external resources to increase food access and resources to promote students’ personal wellness. USG has established partnerships with Manna Food Center and Capital Area Foodbank to provide food access programs including Manna Choice Market at the Grove, USG Mobile Market, and Grover Essentials.
The Pantry is made up of three major components and services:
- Grab and Go Snacks - Need a granola bar or fruit snacks? Maybe a Cup of Noodles or a can of soup for a quick lunch between classes? Our snack station is here for you, providing a variety of free pre-packaged grab-and-go snacks Monday-Thursday, from 9:00am-5:00pm at the front desk of the USG Student Services Office. (Limit to Two Grab & Go Snack Bag Per Week, Per Student)
- Customizable Toiletry Bags (Grab and Go) - Students will be offered pre-stocked selections of hygiene items such as soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and deodorants (inventory will vary). Every 2 weeks, students can choose three toiletry items Monday-Thursday, from 9:00am-5:00pm at the front desk of the USG Student Services Office.
- Grover Essentials After Hours (New for Spring 2023 semester!) - Starting January 23rd, students will be able to pick up Grab and Go Snack bags outside of USG Student Services' normal business hours! Simply make an appointment here and you will be able to stop by the lockers outside of the USG Student Services Office to pick up your Grab and Go After Hours Snack! Grover After Hours will be available Monday-Thursday 5 pm-10 pm, Friday 5 pm-6 pm, and Saturday 10 am-6 pm.
Manna Food Center, Inc.
Manna provides food at no cost to Montgomery County residents (must have an ID) through various distribution centers. You can obtain food once every 30 days. You can get serviced in both English and Spanish. To register, please call (301) 424-1130.
Location & Contact Information:
Administrative Office
12301 Old Columbia Pike
Silver Spring, MD, 20904
Warehouse for Food Drop Off
9311 Gaither Road
Gaithersburg, MD, 20877
To register, please call (301) 424-1130.
Manna Choice Market at the Grove
USG is proud to also partner with Manna Food Center to offer Manna Choice Market at the Grove! Launched in 2022, brings a Market-Style distribution on-campus to the starting in August 2022. On the second Wednesday of every month, students and their families will be able to access our market to select fresh produce and other perishable and nonperishable healthy foods.
Mobile Market is a program supported by the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), who provides fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and other food items at zero cost for distribution to the campus and the local community. USG will host a Mobile Market from 11am-1pm on select Mondays each month. All you need to do is stop by room G318 on the ground floor of Building IV, bring grocery bags and pick up some food. More details about USG's Mobile Market operations can be found here.
Montgomery College Mobile Market dates, times and locations can be found here. Are you looking to volunteer? The market will run solely on volunteer labor; we welcome all volunteers. Please sign up here.
Google has created a locator tool that you can use to find your nearest food bank, food pantry or school lunch program pickup site. Use the tool here, simply enter an address into the search bar and information for the sites closest to you will be displayed. If possible, call a location before you visit to verify days/hours they are open and any requirements. If you can’t find a nearby location, you may be able to find support options through the other food support resources list on this page.
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program) provides monthly financial benefits to eligible households (all persons in a residence who purchase and prepare food on a regular basis) to supplement their food purchase budget. Eligibility is based upon household size and income. Benefits are not intended to cover total monthly food expenses but are designed to be a supplement to the food budget. U.S. citizenship is a requirement of the program but non-citizens with “qualified immigrant” status may also meet eligibility requirements. A signed application and interview is required in order to receive benefits. Specific information on eligibility is available at the local office.
They Food Bank Network provides food in various locations throughout D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. This is the organization that provides food to people through the Montgomery College Mobile Market. You check out their website and input your zip code to find more food assistance resources near you. They also provide you with a list of other social services such as healthcare, housing, job training programs, and more.
Maryland SNAP-Ed is a program within University of Maryland Extension that creates healthier environments and improves the health and wellbeing of limited income families across Maryland. SNAP-Ed programs encourage a nutritious and active lifestyle through increased food access, drinking more water, and promoting physical activity.
Recipes for your Family - Looking for a new recipe to try at home with your family? Search our list of recipes for ideas!
Search our recipe database for exciting recipes that are quick, easy and your family will love!
Cooking 5 Ways - What's in your pantry? Take a closer look and then check out these Cooking 5 Ways ideas. Use pantry foods you have on hand, in different ways, to make healthy meals and snacks!
Submit an online request for help with food resources or call 311 (or 240-777-0311). You can ask about free food and food delivery, SNAP (food stamps), food providers near you, and other resources in Montgomery County.
Find food, health, housing and employment programs in seconds here.
The MC Groceries Program aims to help families access fresh and shelf-stable food items through a convenient online shopping experience. Families can place their orders online and have their groceries delivered or picked up through a partnership with Instacart Fresh Funds. Eligible households may receive $100 in benefits per month for each child 0-18 years old, up to $400. Visit this website for further details and learn how to participate!