Donate Food and Get a Free Ride on Ride On April 24 to 30

Ride On is sponsoring its 30th annual Give and Ride food drive from April 24 to 30 that benefits both passengers and needy families. When a Ride On customer donates a canned or nonperishable food item, they’ll receive a free bus ride. All donations go to the non-profit Manna Food Center, which distributes food to the County’s neediest residents. Healthy, single serve, kid-friendly food items in plastic containers are especially in demand, as are baby food, formula, toddler food, juice and diapers. 

"The Give and Ride program is a wonderful opportunity for bus riders to conveniently help those who are going hungry, and for the County to recognize the donors’ generosity,” said Montgomery County Department of Transportation Director Al Roshdieh. “It’s another great way to show our community spirit by giving and sharing.” 

Food collection bags will be placed near the fare box on all of Ride On’s buses. Ride On also urges riders using free services to participate in the food drive and bring their donations to the buses, as well.

All food donations, whether one or more cans, will be valued at the regular fare rate of $1.75. An additional donation is required when transferring to other buses. Residents who do not ride the bus but wish to donate food can participate by giving their donations to a bus operator at any Ride On bus stop. Checks made out to Manna Food Center will also be accepted. Writing in “Ride On” on the “For” or “Memo” line in the lower left corner of a check will make it easier to track the success of the program.


For more information, visit Ride On’s website or call 311 within the County or 240-777-0311 outside the County between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Or, visit MC311 online.