In response to the pressing needs of the community, Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, Inc. was founded by Dr. Shawn Ashworth, a dedicated advocate with a deep passion for helping her community. Their mission is to develop and promote activities that facilitate healthy eating habits, secure stable housing, enhance job training skills, and encourage healthy decision-making and self-confidence among disadvantaged individuals, including those living in food deserts, below the poverty line, experiencing homelessness, or who are veterans.
Over the past eight years, Food 4 Thought has made a significant impact by preparing and distributing over 35,000 meals to the community. This achievement is made possible by the unwavering support of more than 100 volunteers who are committed to giving hope and making a difference. The organization actively seeks to connect with like-minded organizations to foster collaborations that strengthen their outreach efforts. They regularly participate in bi-monthly events and host an annual Thanksgiving Day lunch, serving over 200 families in Brooklyn Park, MD. In the coming months, they are currently organizing a school supplies drive and need headphones for school-used computers as well as one-subject notebooks, with distribution scheduled for August 23, 2025. Furthermore, In partnership with Together We Rise Mentoring, they are running their Striving and Thriving for Academic & Health Wellness program for 2nd-5th grade students and their families in Brooklyn Park, MD. In addition, they sponsor Wellness Wednesday's along with other community partners.
To support their mission, Food 4 Thought offers several ways for individuals and organizations to get involved. Contributions can be made here. For those interested in learning more about Food 4 Thought, its events, and how to volunteer or contribute, the organization encourages reaching out at (443) 722-6768. By joining their efforts, individuals can combat food insecurity and hope to strengthen their community, embodying the spirit of hope and support for those in need.
