Chevy Chase Trust cares about the community.

That’s why, for the past three years, we’ve been participating in a community program called Smart Sacks in Montgomery County.

Smart Sacks is an initiative of Manna Food Center, a non-profit in Montgomery County which aims to eliminate hunger through food distribution, education and advocacy. In 2005, Manna started the Smart Sacks program to focus on the needs of elementary school-aged children who partake in school meals during the week. The goal is to provide kid- friendly food to these students to sustain them over the weekends. Currently, Smart Sacks are being distributed to more than 1600 students at more than 50 area schools.

Led by Jennifer Fullmer, Director of Client Services at Chevy Chase Trust, we proudly partner with Sargent Shriver Elementary School in Silver Spring, MD. Every week, volunteers from CCT pick up food from Manna and during their lunch hours assemble the “Smart Sacks” in one of the board rooms. The Sacks are then driven to Sargent Shriver Elementary for distribution to the children just prior to the weekend.

Feedback from the schools and teachers indicate the program is working as students have greater energy at school. In addition, more parents are getting more involved with all aspects of the school as a result which is clearly a positive development.

The Smart Sacks Program is an amazing opportunity, and commitment of time and resources for CCT staff who want to get involved in the community and help families who are struggling. And our volunteers say it’s worth every minute!