Shepherd’s Table has unveiled a new logo that reflects its purpose of feeding the hungry in the community and helping them gain culinary skills.
The new logo pays tribute to the downtown Silver Spring nonprofit’s rich history by reintroducing the “shepherd’s staff” from the original logo design, which was used when the organization was founded.
Shepherd’s Table has provided over 2 million meals and has maintained uninterrupted meal service throughout its 42-year history.
“The new logo symbolizes a place setting that is always open, a place of nourishment, connection, and guidance,” said Shepherd’s Table Executive Director Manny Hidalgo. “With homelessness in Montgomery County increasing by 32 percent since last year in this challenging climate, this work is more important than ever.”
Shepherd’s Table launched its Culinary Skills Training program last year in response to client feedback seeking job training opportunities, aiming to equip its students with the essential skills and confidence needed to succeed in the food service industry and advance toward self-sufficiency.
Daily meal service has increased since the beginning of 2025, with the organization now serving an average of 422 meals daily, up from 372 the previous year, reflecting a 28 percent increase in homelessness in Montgomery County from 2023 to 2024.
Progress Place provided over 45,400 meals in the first quarter of this year, and the demand for meals increased by 16 percent in the winter of 2024, prompting Silver Spring Cares to reprise its Casseroles for a Cause campaign in response to the growing need.
While the demand for meals continues to rise, Shepherd’s Table’s income lags behind, and, as a result, the nonprofit will close its Urban Farm program this month.
Daniella Burgos, Director of Development and Communications, told Montgomery Community Media this week that the individual managing the Urban Farm program is resigning and will not be replaced, but hopes some of the volunteers connected with the garden will continue to grow food there.
“We just are not able to allocate resources” for the Urban Farm, Burgos said.
In addition to the Urban Farm program’s closure, Executive Director Manny Hidalgo announced last month that he would depart the nonprofit at the end of July.
Hidalgo, a 25-year-plus resident of the Silver Spring area, was appointed in 2019 and succeeded Jacki Coyle, who retired after leading the organization for fifteen years.
During his tenure, Hidalgo oversaw the launch of the Culinary Skills Training and Urban Farm programs, as well as the Beyond the Table mobile meals program, which provided more than 17,700 meals to children through partner organizations in 2024.
The Shepherd’s Table board of directors, which has the authority to appoint an interim director if needed, has formed a search committee and hired LeaderFit, a national executive search firm with regional ties, to identify a successor.
“Working with the staff of Shepherd’s Table has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Hidalgo said last month. “Their dedication to the mission of Shepherd’s Table is exemplary, and I will miss working in the trenches with them immensely.”
Shepherd’s Table is located at 8106 Georgia Ave. in downtown Silver Spring and online at shepherdstable.org.