Once a month at Montgomery College’s Germantown Campus, organizers and volunteers prepare boxes of food, fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution. At 10 a.m., the doors open in the vestibule of the Bioscience Education Center hallway where volunteers stand ready to serve.
The Mobile Market is part of a monthly initiative designed to support students while also extending services to the wider community. The need is significant, according to Dr. Surayya Johnson, Ed.D., director of student life at the Germantown Campus.
“About 60% of community college students experience basic needs insecurity,” she said. “There’s a great need for it.”
Johnson also praised how a well-nourished student performs better in their studies and activities.
“Food helps people stay focused. It keeps them going,” she said.
Volunteers play a central role in the event’s success. From unloading food deliveries to organizing distribution tables and assisting attendees, their efforts help the market run smoothly and efficiently. The atmosphere is welcoming and organized, with volunteers guiding residents through each station.
For student volunteer Amira Marsh, a community health major, the experience is deeply meaningful.
“I love to help the community out,” Marsh said. “I love seeing people fulfill their basic needs and having even small interactions that brighten someone’s day.”
Marsh also highlighted the broader challenges students face. “There is definitely an issue with food insecurity, especially due to the economy,” she said. “There is also an issue with people not getting good nutrition due to the food that is available.”
Organizers say that by providing essential groceries and fresh produce at no cost, the Mobile Market helps reduce financial pressure, promote healthier eating habits, and strengthen connections between the college and the community.
