Ride On Food Drive Collects Nearly 6,000 Pounds of Food During Give and Ride Week

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 26, 2017

Passengers on Montgomery County’s Ride On bus system donated 5,979 pounds of food this year during the annual “Give and Ride” food drive that took place during the week of April 23. Bus passengers received free rides by donating nonperishable food for County residents who are experiencing hunger.

“We appreciate the kindness of our passengers and employees who donate food for those in our County who are struggling,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation organizes the annual food drive. Food collected goes to the Manna Food Center, which provides food for 35,000 individuals annually. Several years ago, the “Give and Ride” food drive was shifted to the spring to help Manna stock its shelves at a time when their food supplies run low.

Manna Food Center, a non-profit organization based in Gaithersburg, provides food for 3,000 families each month and distributes weekly “Smart Sacks” of nutritious food to 2,800 local elementary school students.

For Ride On bus stop locations or bus schedules, check RideOnRealTime.com or call 311, which is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; 240-777-0311 from a cell phone or outside the County. Route and timetable information also is available on the RideOnBus.com website.

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Release ID: 17-439
Media Contact: Lorraine Driscoll 240-777-6507