Editors note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct number of volunteers the nonprofit operates with, the correct number of pounds of food collected in a year and to include the collaboration with the Montgomery County Food Bank.

Mary Blocker, vice president of Keep US Fed Montgomery County, said the nonprofit was founded under the Leadership Montgomery County class of 2015 to address food insecurity and waste. Statistically, 30%-40% of food the U.S. produces is wasted, Blocker said.

Through a collaboration with the Montgomery County Food Bank, Keep US Fed Montgomery County recovers excess nutritional food that might otherwise be thrown away and delivers it to over 35 Montgomery County shelters, community food pantries and other nonprofits.

About the program

Funded by donations and sponsorships, Keep US Fed is the largest food recovery organization for perishable foods in the area, Blocker said.


The nonprofit works with several local businesses and grocery stores such as Whole Foods, Kroger, McKenzie's and other local restaurants to gather perishable food. Gathered by roughly 96 volunteers a week, the food is delivered directly to local shelters and nonprofits.
Keep US Fed is one of the largest perishable food recovery organization. (Courtesy Keep US Fed Montgomery County)
Keep Us Fed recovers quality produce and other nutritional foods like dairy, deli and proteins to help feed the less fortunate. (Courtesy Keep US Fed Montgomery County)
“It's a really special thing for the volunteers because they go to the donor site, they pick up the food, they go to the recipient site, and sometimes they'll meet some of the clients,” Blocker said. “So they see the whole passage of what we do in the course of their 60-90 minute time on the job.”

The impact

Today, Keep US Fed Montgomery County has 120 pickups a week and collects and distributes more than one million pounds a year—compared to 22,000 pounds it donated in its first year.The nonprofit operates seven days a week, with the exception of Christmas Day, Blocker said.

“Donations are very welcome. Right now, we're able to provide about seven meals for every dollar that gets donated. So a small donation makes a big difference,” Blocker said.
Keep US Fed Montgomery County is operated by volunteers. (Courtesy Keep US Fed Montgomery County)
Keep US Fed Montgomery County is operated by volunteers. (Courtesy Keep US Fed Montgomery County)
To educate the community on food waste, Blocker said Keep US Fed is available to collaborate with local schools and clubs in the area.


Anyone interested in contributing to the nonprofit’s mission can make a donation online or register to volunteer.