With the mission to better serve Montgomery County and develop strategies to address hunger among children and youth, the Montgomery County Food Council has launched its Childhood Hunger Survey. County residents are encouraged to participate in the five-minute survey which seeks to collect input to create strategies and identify barriers when accessing food. Resident feedback is a key component to implementing food assistance programs and policy development. The survey deadline is Sunday, Sept. 11, and it is available in English and Spanish. The information provided will be confidential and those who participate will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to a grocery store.  

The second half of the show will focus on the $2 million Small Business Rental Assistance (SBRA) grant program for Montgomery County retail establishments. Naddia Clute will discuss the eligibility criteria, application process and frequently asked questions. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30. This is the second round of SBRA grants provided by the County using funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). For more information, click here. 

Lastly, the show will conclude with a discussion of the upcoming Salvadoran Culinary Festival hosted by the General Consulate of El Salvador. The event, which will also serve as a commemoration of the Independence Day of El Salvador, will take place in Wheaton Town Square on Sept. 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The community event is free and will include live entertainment, music and traditional dishes from El Salvador.  

The Montgomery County Council and Radio America have entered a partnership that provides the Latino community with key information on issues and programs. The partnership also provides a forum for residents to express their views and ask questions. The partnership includes the weekly one-hour show each Friday on the Washington metropolitan area’s most popular Spanish language station. 

Each week, the show features host Marcela Rodriguez, Council program manager and public information officer, and guests talking about important issues before the Council and provides information about programs offered by the County to help residents.