Staying Alive for Others: How a Nonprofit is Feeding 35,000 Families in Montgomery County This Thanksgiving

This week, more than 35,000 households in Montgomery County, Maryland, will have meals ready for Thanksgiving, courtesy of So What Else and their special Thanksgiving give-back initiative.

During Saturday and Sunday, more than 1,400 vehicles entered the parking lot on Wyaconda Road in North Bethesda, each waiting for their turn to receive bags and boxes full of food.

Dave Silbert, co-founder and executive director of So What Else, shared insights with WTOP about the growing demand this year. He observed that vehicles ranging from luxury brands like Mercedes and BMW to older pickup trucks were all part of the queue.

“Many people haven’t received paychecks for four to six weeks and suddenly find themselves seeking assistance at food banks. This reality highlights how little margin for error exists in our current economy,” Silbert remarked, reflecting on the recent government shutdown.

The two-day food distribution event had initially been planned during the shutdown but continued as scheduled once the government reopened.

Silbert and his colleague Bob Schless founded So What Else in 2009 after traveling to New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina.

“For a decade, from 2009 to 2019, our focus was to empower kids and the community through various volunteer initiatives, while encouraging those we helped to give back as well,” Silbert noted.

Like many organizations, So What Else adapted its mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our primary focus shifted to providing emergency resources and food,” Silbert stated. “This year, we expect to distribute 20 million pounds of food, positioning us as potentially the largest food bank in Montgomery County, second only to the Capital Area Food Bank in the region.”

In addition to food assistance, the organization continues its commitment to youth development, offering after-school programs and summer camps to 2,900 students.

“Lastly, we prioritize civic engagement and volunteerism,” he said. “We strive to create opportunities for individuals to discover their passions for service.”

For Silbert, giving back and serving others is not just a motto; it’s a guiding principle. “During my time in four rehabilitation centers, I learned that in communities like Alcoholics Anonymous, the belief is that ‘service is a lifesaver.’”

“When you focus on helping others, even for just a moment, you can temporarily forget your own struggles and truly immerse yourself in the service of others.”

When asked what advice he would give himself during his recovery, Silbert told WTOP: “Stay alive. It’s crucial to understand that my life might be important for others.”

Silbert envisions a grand future for So What Else, comparing it to well-known organizations like the Boys and Girls Club and the Red Cross.

“When Clara Barton founded the Red Cross, she couldn’t have foreseen its expansive growth,” Silbert stated with a knowing smile.