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Due to a dramatic increase in needs and a deluge of donations, Manna Food Center of Rockville is moving its main warehouse to Gaithersburg.

The facility at 9311 Gaither Road will open in mid-September, said Amy Ginsburg, executive director, who said that Manna Food Center has operated out of its warehouse on Lofstrand Lane for more than 20 years. The nonprofit is the only food bank that serves Montgomery County, according to the nonprofit.

"Hunger is truly a hidden problem in Montgomery County," said Kim Damion, director of development and communications. "I don't think that there are many people who realize that there are so many people facing the hardships of hunger."

The move is correlated to increased need, both women said. Manna has seen a 43 percent spike in clients in the last year.

The Rockville warehouse can accommodate about one million pounds of food, Damion said. In fiscal 2009, Manna collected and distributed more than three million pounds of food, increased fundraising efforts and hired several part time staff to work fulltime.

In fiscal 2009, Manna Food Center served 35,498 families and 102,519 individuals, more than half of whom were seniors and children, Damion said. The organization provided food directly to families and to 37 county agencies, including shelters, food kitchens and homeless shelters; while supporting a "Smart Sacks" program that delivers food to hungry elementary school children. One in four students in Montgomery County is eligible for reduced and free lunch, Damion said.

Residents' generous response is "all the more remarkable when we hear all these stories about other food banks from across the country who are faced with empty shelves and increased need," Ginsburg said.

Collections and distribution will continue from 2-4 p.m.at St. Camillus Roman Catholic Church, 1600 St. Camillus Drive, Silver Spring; from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the Catholic Charities Community Center, 12247 Georgia Ave., Wheaton; from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring; from 2-4 p.m. Thursday at the Salvation Army Center, 20021 Aircraft Drive, Germantown; from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the Family Service Agency, 602 E. Diamond Ave. Gaithersburg; from 2-4 p.m. Friday at the East County Regional Services Center, 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring; and from 5-7 p.m. Mondays at the Rockville United Methodist Church, 112 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, a new location that opened in early August.