Advocates urge Montgomery County Council to boost funding for food security initiatives

Food insecurity has reached alarming levels in Montgomery County, with a recent report revealing that 37 percent of households in the region faced hunger in the past year—the highest rate recorded. This troubling statistic highlights the urgent need for action, particularly within the county's vibrant African immigrant community, which numbers around 55,000 and constitutes 16% of the immigrant population.

Local organizations, such as African Communities Together Act and AfriTribe, are stepping up to tackle these challenges by creating community gardens and distributing culturally appropriate produce. However, their efforts depend heavily on sustained funding to expand their reach and support more families in need.

Concerns over data collection and immigration enforcement have deterred many immigrant families from seeking assistance, underscoring the necessity for trust-building and culturally sensitive approaches to food aid. As one advocate emphasized, addressing food insecurity is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one, as hunger leads to higher healthcare costs and diminished productivity.

The call to action is clear: the council must prioritize increased funding for food security initiatives that uplift the African immigrant community. By investing in these solutions, Montgomery County can ensure that every resident has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.