The Silver Spring Penguin

This week, the commute on Montgomery County’s Ride-On buses costs a can of corn. Or perhaps a jar of baby food.

Starting today, commuters can get a free trip if they donate nonperishable food items as they board Ride-On buses. All donations go to the Manna Food Center, a nonprofit food bank that serves 2,000 families each month.

“The Give and Ride program is a wonderful opportunity for bus riders to conveniently help other Montgomery County residents who are going hungry, and for the county to recognize the donors’ generosity,” MoCo exec Ike Leggett said in a press statement. “It’s a great way to show our community spirit by giving and sharing.”

Collection bags will be placed next to fare boxes on all Ride-On buses. All donations are worth the regular $1.25 fare, regardless of the number of cans. Riders who want to buy a regional one-day pass must drop an extra $1.75 in the fare box.

Residents who don’t roll with Ride-On can drop off donations at Silver Spring’s Commuter Express store (8401 Colesville Rd). Checks made out to the Manna Food Center are also welcome.

In addition to canned and dry foods, Manna requests children’s items like disposable diapers, formula, baby or toddler food, and juice. Plastic containers are preferred.

“We ask our riders to donate generously to this year’s food drive,” Carolyn Biggins, Ride-On’s general manager, said in a press statement. “There are area families that are truly hungry, and this is one way our riders and our staff can help.”

The food drive runs through Sunday, Apr 22, 2007.