Montgomery County, MD – October 17, 2024 – So What Else (SWE), a leading nonprofit organization focused on combating hunger and supporting underserved communities, is proud to announce a significant milestone in its mission. Since 2020, the So What Else Food Rescue Bank has served 75 million meals to families in need as part of our Hunger Relief mission. As SWE continues to expand its efforts, the organization is urgently calling for volunteers and donations to ensure the success of its 2024 goals.
With an ambitious hunger relief budget of $2.2 million for the upcoming year, the So What Else Food Rescue Bank is ramping up its services to provide crucial support to vulnerable populations across the Baltimore-Washington region. The organization is currently seeking support to meet transportation expenses of $187,000, maintain a fleet budget of $825,000 over the next four years, and cover warehouse rent of $180,000. Additionally, SWE is working on capital improvements totaling $450,000, of which $225,000 has already been secured through county and state funding.
“Each week, we rescue and distribute 325,000 pounds of food, deliver essential groceries to 600 homes, and host 36 neighborhood distributions,” said Valeria Carrasquillo, spokesperson for So What Else. “But in order to continue providing this service, sustain, and scale our impact, we need more volunteers and financial support. Our goal for 2024 and beyond is ambitious, and we cannot do it without the community’s help.”
The So What Else Food Rescue Bank serves communities through its Food Rescue Bank Baltimore initiative, which provides free food distribution to underserved families. Additionally, the organization operates the Food Rescue Bank Washington D.C. to support residents in the nation’s capital and provides vital Montgomery County Services to ensure food security for local Maryland communities.
In the past year alone, the So What Else Food Rescue Bank has provided critical resources to 482,000 people from over 165 communities. With headquarters based in Montgomery County, Maryland, the So What Else Food Rescue Bank spans across the Baltimore-Washington area, serving thousands of families who face food insecurity.
The organization is urgently seeking funds to acquire a refrigerated box truck for its Baltimore and Montgomery County operations and a cargo van for food distribution in Washington, D.C. These vehicles are essential to transporting food safely, particularly as demand increases and warmer temperatures approach. Rising fuel and maintenance costs have made this need even more critical.
“Rescuing food before it goes to waste and delivering it to families in need is the heart of what we do, Carrasquillo emphasized. “However, to keep food fresh and ensure we can distribute it safely, we must expand and maintain our fleet. We need refrigerated trucks, reliable transportation, and ongoing maintenance to make this happen.”
Community members are encouraged to make donations to support the expansion of the So What Else Food Rescue Bank fleet and other hunger relief initiatives. Contributions can be made directly via the donation page at So What Else Donations.
In addition to financial support, SWE is calling for volunteers to assist with their largest distribution event in Rockville, Maryland, held weekly at 4924 Wyaconda Rd. Volunteers are needed from 4 am to 2 pm to help distribute food to families in need. Those interested can sign up on the volunteer page at So What Else Volunteer Opportunities.
Through its Service Challenge, SWE is inspiring the community to get involved in its various initiatives and make a lasting impact. As emergency food requests rise, with 15-20 additional calls each week from individuals and families, SWE’s services are more essential than ever. The organization’s food rescue efforts not only reduce food waste but also provide lifesaving support to families throughout the region.
To learn more about how you can help So What Else in their mission to fight hunger and build a compassionate community, please visit their website at www.sowhatelse.org.
About So What Else (SWE)
So What Else is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hunger relief and essential services to underserved communities across the Baltimore-Washington region. Through food rescue programs, neighborhood distributions, and partnerships with local agencies, SWE addresses the immediate needs of families facing food insecurity while working towards long-term solutions.
Media Contact
Company Name: So What Else
Contact Person: Valeria Carrasquillo
Email: Send Email
Phone: +12406020486
Country: United States
Website: http://www.sowhatelse.org/