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 our food for donation. 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 these exceptions; in 2022 we are closed on:
January 17th – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
February 21 – President’s Day
May 30 – Memorial Day
June 20 – Juneteenth Day
July 4 – Independence Day
September 5 – Labor Day
October 10 – Columbus Day
November 11 – Veteran’s Day
November 24 – Thanksgiving Day
December 26 – Christmas (Federal holiday)