Buddhist Relief Helps Alleviate Food Insecurity in MoCo

More than 1 in every 6 residents experienced food insecurity in Montgomery County, MD, according to a 2022 Hunger Report. In response, KPC Buddhist Relief in Poolesville, MD has ramped up its efforts to provide humanitarian aid for those in need, in the county, the U.S. and beyond.

Originally created to aid those affected by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, to more recently helping those locally who are dealing with food insecurity and resettlement before and during the pandemic, Buddhist Relief is the outreach arm of Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC), Buddhist Temple in Poolesville.

Buddhist Relief leverages partnerships with established organizations that support communities with healthy, nutritious food, diapers, formula, and other necessities, as well as the little things, like condiments and spices, which turn a plate of food into a comforting meal.

Claire Waggoner, President of KPC says “We help support organizations such as the UpCounty Hub, Shepherd’s Table, WUMCO Help, Immigrant and Refugee Outreach Center (IROC), the First Baptist Church of Silver Spring food pantry, and the Poolesville Little Free Pantry.”

Buddhist Relief is unique in its ability to be responsive and flexible to both immediate and on-going circumstances. Crossing religions and cultures, it has worked in cooperation with Sikh Relief helping displaced persons from Ukraine, as well as, aiding relocated immigrant Afghan families, alongside IROC. Specific requests requiring a quick turnaround have been delivered such as tea kettles, personal hygiene supplies, baby food, seasonal fresh vegetables and nonperishables.

The Giving Garden located at KPC produces fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit for our local partners. Of the organic, cage-free eggs produced by hens on-site, 20% of all eggs produced are donated to local partners, including food banks and meal programs.

Inspired by the compassionate activity of H.E. Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo Rinpoche, Spiritual Director of Kunzang Palyul Choling, Buddhist Relief was created in 2005 to mobilize in the face of the tragic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Within days of the hurricane, through the efforts of Buddhist Relief, volunteers worked with organizations and businesses in Louisiana to provide relief. More than 160 abandoned dogs and cats in New Orleans were rescued and airlifted to a sanctuary in Arizona, provided by KPC.

Buddhist Relief is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, and as such operating expenses are kept to a minimum. Donations to KPC Buddhist Relief can be made at bit.ly/Support-Buddhist-Relief.

Contact information: Kunzang Palyul Choling, 18400 River Road, Poolesville, MD 20837. (301) 710-6259 / kpc@tara.org / www.tara.org