URGENT: SNAP Benefits at Risk
Have you ever worried about where your next meal was coming from? What if paying a heating bill meant your children might go to bed hungry?
Did you know that one in three of our neighbors experiences food insecurity? This is despite living in one of the wealthiest counties in the U.S., and it’s only getting worse. According to the Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Report, 27,000 children in Montgomery County are food insecure, and at least 34% of county residents face food insecurity—an increase of 7% in just one year. With massive cuts to SNAP benefits on the horizon, even more of our dear neighbors will struggle to put food on the table.
At KPC Buddhist Relief, we believe this is unacceptable, and we believe that you do, too. We have taken direct action to combat this by dedicating our mission to addressing food insecurity and providing essential goods with loving kindness to those facing hardship in our region.
Won't you join us?
Why Buddhist Relief?
Unlike many organizations, our approach is uniquely targeted
We ask our partners what their communities truly need—whether it’s fresh produce, culturally specific foods, or essential spices. We do not distribute whatever food happens to be available or leftover.
We respond quickly to emergent needs, sometimes within hours or a few days, including providing warm coats in freezing temperatures to delivering emergency aid after disasters.
Each month, we provide approximately 16,000 pounds of food and supplies to our distribution partners, including The Upcounty Hub, WUMCO Help, Poolesville Little Free Pantry, the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring, Shepherd’s Table, Miriam’s Kitchen in Washington, D.C., and more.
We need your help now to continue our mission!
The demand for food assistance is rising at an alarming rate.
Shepherd’s Table, which provides hot nutritious meals daily, has seen its breakfast guests increase from 175 to 225 people. They now serve up to 600 meals a day—far more than ever before. For the first time in its 50+ year history, WUMCO has had to use financial assistance funds to buy food because donations have dropped. Without immediate action, our partners may struggle to meet the growing need.
Buddhist Relief has helped Shepherd’s Table maintain the quality of their meals as demand surged over the past year. We have a strong track record of ensuring our community does not suffer due to budget cuts. By working closely with our partners, we provide fresh food that is distributed or used immediately, reducing waste of both food and valuable resources. As the chef at Miriam’s Kitchen shared, receiving exactly what they need prevents a massive waste of time and supplies.
We must act now to prepare for the coming food emergency.
As social service cuts take effect, we anticipate skyrocketing demand, and we are making real plans to ensure no one falls through the cracks. Buddhist Relief will be there—but we need your help to strengthen our resources and support our partners as they adapt.
Your donation to KPC Buddhist Relief makes an immediate impact, providing fresh, nutritious food and essentials to families in need within days. No contribution is too small—each act of generosity fuels our shared mission of bringing relief, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Please join us!
By becoming a sustaining donor, you ensure that no one feels forgotten or alone in their time of hardship.
Your monthly gift provides ongoing support to meet the increasing demand and helps us respond swiftly to emerging needs.
Our community grows stronger through acts of kindness and generosity. Together, we can build a more compassionate world where everyone has a seat at the table.
