Call Your Mother Deli construction begins in Bethesda

Construction is getting underway on the interior fit-out of Call Your Mother Deli at 4828 St. Elmo Avenue in downtown Bethesda. "Opening soon" signage has been posted over the windows. This space was previously home to Hardwood Artisans, and more memorably, Johnny Rockets. Call Your Mother had operated a trolley car food truck at the historic Bethesda Community Store for several years, before departing as a major renovation project began there. It also has a location at Pike & Rose. 

Hunger increases in Montgomery County

An unhoused person sleeps in the 
doorway of the vacant former
Sir Walter Raleigh Inn in Bethesda

Poverty, homelessness, and hunger continue to increase in Montgomery County. A new report released by the Capital Area Food Bank indicates that food insecurity in Montgomery County has increased by 1% in the last year. In contrast, hunger levels dropped in Prince George's County, the City of Alexandria, Arlington County, and Fairfax County. Food insecurity in Washington, D.C. increased by 2%.

The report was based on a survey of Washington Metropolitan Area residents conducted this spring. Most of Montgomery County's population growth in recent years has been in the low-income range. Meanwhile, the County has failed to generate high-wage jobs, and has not attracted a single new major corporate headquarters in over 25 years. The moribund economy and inflated food prices have been a devastating combination for many. Those who once turned to dollar menus at fast food restaurants to get by can no longer do so, as inflation and imposition of high minimum wages in that industry have had the desired effect of those policies' architects, to force low-income and working class residents to turn to government and non-profits for sustenance.