A Meal Can Open Doors

Campaign running July 6- August 10

When Chef Gary and Kitchen Coordinator Rabihah visited Stephen Knolls School, a Montgomery County school serving students with disabilities, they saw something they rarely get to experience: the families receiving the meals they prepare every day through Shepherd's Table's Beyond the Table (BTT) program.

BTT began during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering ready-to-eat meals to neighbors facing food insecurity who cannot come to Progress Place. What started as an emergency response has grown into partnerships with organizations like Pathways to Housing and Stephen Knolls School, where families of students and young people have access to prepared dinners.

One father picked up his son after school knowing dinner was already taken care of. Instead of worrying about shopping, cooking, or finding time after a long day of caregiving, he could simply go home and spend time with his child.

"It makes such a difference to see where the meals go and how meaningful they are to families," Chef Gary said. "It made me think differently back in the kitchen."

At Shepherd's Table, a meal is often the first step, but it is rarely the last. Every day, we provide nourishing meals while also helping neighbors access life-saving prescription medications, vision care through Montgomery County's only free Eye Clinic, and other critical support that creates pathways to lasting well-being and inspires hope.

For many of our neighbors, quality eye care would otherwise be out of reach. Our Eye Clinic helps detect serious conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts and connects clients with the treatment and specialty care they need to protect their vision. Shepherd's Table client Ms. Bullock calls the Eye Clinic "a hidden gem" and says it is "the absolute most thorough" eye care she has ever received.

We also help nearly 300 individuals each year access essential prescription medications they otherwise couldn't afford, ensuring they can receive the treatment they need to stay healthy and continue moving forward.

Your gift today helps make all of this possible.

Our goal is to raise $75,000 to ensure every person who turns to Shepherd's Table can find not only a meal, but the care, dignity, and support they deserve.

Your generosity makes this possible. When someone comes to Shepherd's Table for a meal, they find so much more—a caring community, critical resources, and hope for the future.

Please make your gift today. A meal may be where support begins, but because of you, it can open doors to lasting change.

What Your Gift Can Do:

$35- Helps cover the cost of one prescription medication voucher for a client.

$100- Provides a comprehensive eye exam for a client.

$250- Supports the cost of prescriptions for seven clients.

$500- Makes it possible to make five days worth of meals for Beyond the Table (BTT).

A Meal Can Open Doors

Community Members