FAQs
Q: Does Bethesda Help serve only the Bethesda area?
A: No. In addition to Bethesda, we serve Chevy Chase, Kensington and parts of Potomac, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
Q: What is the criteria to be eligible for aid?
A: First, you must live within our service area. All services are available without consideration to a client’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental condition, financial abilities, political preferences, or immigration status.
Q: How do I contact you to request help?
A: Call our Help Line at 301-365-2022.
Q: Do you deliver prepared meals?
A: No. We deliver shelf-stable food such as canned items, peanut butter, rice, and dried beans.
Q: How much food is delivered?
A: A supply to last a few days. The amount is based on the number of people in the household.
Q: Do you provide “special” bags for diabetics, gluten free, or other medical issues?
A: Our food bags are pre-packed and basically contain the same items. We are unable to take any special dietary or other requests.
Q: How many times can we receive food per month?
A: You may request food up to three times a month, but there must be a seven-day break in between.
Q: Where do you get the food you deliver?
A: We partner with Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) to purchase much of the food we deliver to those in need. In addition, we rely on food donations from food drives and individuals.
Q: What is the Bethesda Help schedule?
A: Bethesda Help is open year round with the exceptions of the following days in 2023:
January 2 – New Year’s Day Observed
January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 20 – President’s Day
May 29 – Memorial Day
June 19 – Juneteenth Day
July 4 – Independence Day
September 4 – Labor Day
November 23 – Thanksgiving Day
December 25 – Christmas