Our mission at COWOC is to combat food insecurity within Prince George’s County by collaborating with nonprofit organizations, local grocers, restaurants, caterers, and bakers. Through strategic partnerships, we aim to bridge the meal gap by procuring and distributing perishable and non-perishable food, as well as prepared meals, to residents in low-to-moderate-income areas (LMA) impacted by or recovering from the pandemic and combating inflation, as defined by HUD Qualified Census Tracts (QCT).

Since 2015, COWOC has been an active participant in the Washington, D.C. metro region, with a steadfast commitment to providing food assistance support alongside local community partners since 2017. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our organization and partners intensified relief efforts, delivering 500 meal kits and 1,000 hot meals weekly to families. Over the past year, we have supported more than 15,000 residents with food and essential relief items, including hygiene kits, baby kits, face masks, and toilet paper.

Recognizing the challenges posed by low-skill, low-paying job opportunities in our community, COWOC has pioneered the Urban Food Stand program since 2019, targeting youth ages 16-25. This initiative not only addresses the pressing issue of unemployment but also contributes to workforce development opportunities in the County. Having served 100 students to date, COWOC remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering positive change and resilience in the face of economic and nutritional disparities in Prince George’s County with our latest Farm to Table Food Assistance Program.