Each September, Hunger Action Month, organized by Feeding America, is recognized throughout the U.S. and brings together communities across the country to end hunger. At the IRC in Silver Spring, we acknowledge the pervasiveness of food insecurity in our communities affects everyone, but especially marginalized groups, including the Smith* family, who are local humanitarian immigrants from the Democratic Republic of Congo.  

Managing in the U.S. as a single parent of five children would be challenging for anyone, however, challenges multiply when the family’s English capabilities are limited, young children require childcare and public transportation is a new experience. While previously eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Smith family, like other humanitarian immigrants, no longer receives these benefits as of November 1st, 2025 due to eligibility changes. SNAP provided the family with a vital lifeline and in the absence of these essential benefits, basic needs are further away from access. 

In Maryland, an estimated 10,000 humanitarian immigrants in lost SNAP benefits due to eligibility changes this past year. In honor of Hunger Action Month, the IRC in Silver Spring shares three ways you can help mitigate food insecurity in your communities this fall and beyond: volunteer, donate or advocate.  

Volunteer 

Volunteering your time to collect, shop for or transport food is a great way to help mitigate food security in your community. The IRC in Silver Spring responded to the changes in SNAP eligibility for humanitarian immigrants by organizing multiple volunteer roles connecting food resources to local newcomers. Just months after SNAP eligibility changes, 62 client families at the IRC in Silver Spring were supported with food deliveries to meet their essential nutritional needs.  

Volunteer to collect or transport food.

Donate 

Donating resources or groceries to feed families in need during these uncertain times is one way you can provide support to the community. The IRC in Silver Spring collects groceries and gift cards as we organize food distributions with local partners. We are able to accommodate families’ dietary preferences and deliver groceries to their homes to avoid any challenges with transportation access.  

Donate to the IRC in Silver Spring.    

Advocate  

Advocating on behalf of food security legislation and initiatives with your state and local representatives is another way you can support local newcomers and community members facing food insecurity. Local and state legislation plays an important role in filling resource gaps in federal support programs. Providing testimony on the impact of this legislation in your local community helps drive support.  

Register for our newsletter to learn more about how you can support this legislation.

Through the support of community members, access to basic needs for local newcomers can grow exponentially. Join the IRC in Silver Spring in donating, volunteering or advocating to help resolve food insecurity in our community.