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.

With the mission to feed hungry neighbors, 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 85 volunteers a week, the food is delivered directly to local shelters and nonprofits.“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 donates roughly 90,000 pounds a month—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.To educate the community, Keep US Fed collaborates with local schools and local Lions Clubs in the area on the impact of food waste and food insecurity.

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

• 3915 W. Davis St., Stes. 130-223, Conroe
• www.keepusfedmoco.org