Frequently Asked Questions

What does KPC Buddhist Relief do?

We provide both direct and indirect support to individuals, families, and communities experiencing a crisis affecting their health and well-being, with particular emphasis on responding to food insecurity.  We work with other non-profit agencies and groups who are committed to ending hunger in our communities, collaboratively leveraging our financial and volunteer resources to expand the reach and impact of food relief services.

Receive Help

  • You do not have to be Buddhist.  We are guided by the Buddhist principle of the interdependence of all living things.  We believe we are a community, that our welfare is dependent on ensuring the welfare of our neighbors.

  • If you or someone you know living in Montgomery County, MD is experiencing severe food insecurity, we can provide direct food assistance in the form of emergency food boxes on a stop-gap basis.  We can also provide information about getting on-going direct food assistance through locally based food distribution programs and free food pantries.

  • Buddhist Relief does not carry an inventory of baby formula or diapers. However, we can provide information about where you can find formula and diapers at no cost.

  • Buddhist Relief does not carry an inventory of dog or cat food.

    Dog and cat food assistance is available through the Montgomery County Humane Society (MCHS) @ 601 S Stonestreet Ave., Rockville, MD 20850.  Dog food, cat food and cat litter are available to those in our community who need a helping hand through hard times.  Types of food and availability vary.  Those needing help getting no-cost dog and cat food can visit on weekdays from 12-4 pm daily.  Phone #: (240) 252-2555 ; Email: mchs@mchumane.org 

Help Us Help Them

  • We have 3,300 sq.ft. of growing space which comprise the Buddhist Giving Garden on the grounds of our Temple’s property.  A “hoop house” on our property also extends the growing season for food into the colder months. The Buddhist Giving Garden produces fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit, all of which is donated to food banks and shelters across the county.

    With the goal of “Empowering People through Food Gardening” to address rising food insecurity, We share seedlings to help start gardens in the community and offer classes to teach others how to grow and maintain a healthy garden.

    We also offer education on how to safely forage for food such as wild berries, edible weeds, mushrooms, and medicinal plants.

  • Currently, KPC Buddhist Relief has firmly established relationships with:

    • First Baptist Church of Silver Spring

    • Poolesville Little Free Pantry (Poolesville Presbyterian Church)

    • Shepherd’s Table (Silver Spring, MD)

    • The UpCounty Hub (Germantown, MD)

    • WUMCO Help, Inc. (Poolesville, MD)

    Buddhist Relief is developing a new partnership with Montgomery Hospice, assisting in the delivery of emergency food boxes to hospice patients experiencing severe food crises.

  • Buddhist Relief operates under the auspices of Kunzang Palyul Choling (KPC) a registered 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.  Our activities and operational needs are staffed by volunteers, and our food donations are purchased at bulk or less than full retail price using donated funds from individuals.  Our Buddhist Giving Garden, which supplies fresh organically grown produce to local food banks and shelters, has been supported by both private funding donations and by grant funding from the Montgomery County Food Council.

  • The most efficient and secure way to contribute financially to KPC Buddhist Relief is through the “Donate” section of this website. 

    You can also donate by check mailed to:  P.O. Box 88, Poolesville, MD  20837.

    KPC Buddhist Relief is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Federal Tax ID # 52-1501476.  Financial contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Please consult your financial advisor or the Internal Revenue Service with any questions about tax deductibility and your personal financial situation.

  • Buddhist Relief is unique in its ability to be responsive and flexible to efficiently address both specific and immediate crisis conditions, as well as ongoing community challenges and resource needs.  We communicate closely with our partner organizations to address their current and longer-term needs in a planned manner, utilizing bulk purchasing, collaborative pantry stock management, and just-in-time inventory deliveries.

      

    We are able to change the quantities or types of food purchases we make from week to week, in response to fluctuating inventory needs at our partner organizations or the diversity of food preferences amongst their client populations.  Spanning religions and cultures, we also have worked in cooperation with Sikh Relief helping displaced persons from Ukraine, as well as aiding relocated immigrant Afghan families alongside the Immigrant & Refugee Outreach Center.

  • KPC Buddhist Relief runs on volunteers!  Willing and generous individuals volunteer in a myriad of ways: tending and harvesting fresh greens from the Buddhist Giving Garden; shopping for and delivering food to our local nonprofit partners; caring for our animal friends such as our egg-laying hens; managing fundraising and finances; and so much more!  We always need more volunteers!

    We love getting to know new folks who are looking for a way to give back to the local community! Volunteering is a great way to make new friendships, put some of your skills and experience to use for a good cause, and maybe acquire some new skills along the way! If you would like to volunteer your time and talent, we would love to hear from you!   

    You can send an online statement of interest in volunteering for Buddhist Relief through the “Get Involved” section of this website.  Otherwise, please feel free to leave a message by phone: (301) 710-6259 ext. 2; or, by email to: helpthem@kpcbuddhistrelief.org.