MGM National Donates Food To Aid Families Impacted By Coronavirus

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — Children and families from Prince George's and Montgomery counties will have something to eat in the coming days thanks to the combined efforts of a hotel and casino, along with a local charity.

MGM National Harbor this week donated more than 22 pallets of food to partners like Nourish Now, a Rockville-based nonprofit that specializes in distributing donations from restaurants, grocers, caterers, and others to the community. The hotel and casino's donation means that Maryland residents impacted by the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, will receive more than 45,000 meals.

“This unprecedented climate has paralyzed communities locally and nationally and there is no greater time than now to exercise the meaning of community,” said Melonie Johnson, president and COO of MGM National Harbor, in a release. “Partners like Nourish Now extend deep into the community and providing local families with access to healthy meals is more significant than ever.”

Brett Meyers, Nourish Now founder and executive director, reached out to local catering and food donor partner Simply Fresh Events for help collect the food. Vehicles from both Nourish Now and Simply Fresh transported about 55,000 pounds of food to Nourish Now warehouse, where the meals will be assembled.

“We at Nourish Now are thankful for partners who are always there to give back and support our mission to end food waste and hunger,” says Meyers. “Because of our existing relationship with MGM National Harbor, it proved to be a quick and seamless process that now allows us to get meals to families in need much quicker, which is our only goal right now.”

Montgomery County and PG County families can pick up the meals Thursday, March 19, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at Nourish Now, 1111 Taft St., Rockville, MD 20850.

MGM National Harbor is closed temporarily due to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's Monday order to close all bars, restaurants, and theaters due to the COVID-19 threat.

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