Who We Are

A smiling man wearing a black beanie, black T-shirt, and blue gloves, stands next to a large cardboard box with watermelon and cantaloupe illustrations, at an outdoor market. A handwritten sign with writing '10-2' is taped to the box.

As of 2026, The StoreHouse has served over 92,000 families and distributed more than 5 million pounds of food—a milestone that represents over 5 million moments of hope, healing, and love. With a 2027 goal to reach 200,000 families and distribute 10 million pounds of food, our work is driven by the belief that food justice is community justice.

Founded in 2022 in Prince George’s County, Maryland, The StoreHouse is proud to be the Nation’s First Black-Run Food Bank, serving as a beacon of hope for families across the Greater Washington Area and Columbia, South Carolina.

With a mission to “serve in love,” we go beyond food distribution by offering wrap-around support like hygiene supplies, backpacks, and essential household items. Our approach centers humanity, compassion, and dignity, ensuring that every person we serve feels seen, valued, and cared for.

Mel Johnson, smiling with curly black hair, wearing pearl earrings and a white striped top, against a light gray background.

  • Executive Director & Founder, The StoreHouse

    Mel Johnson is the Founder and Executive Director of The StoreHouse, a food bank and pantry dedicated to combating food insecurity and uplifting underserved families across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) as well as in South Carolina. The StoreHouse is based in Lanham, MD, with a growing satellite in Columbia, SC.

    The StoreHouse provides fresh, nutritious food to more than 1,000 families each month, operating with the guiding mission to “serve in love.”

    A stroke survivor and sex trauma survivor, Mel’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and service. Her personal experiences have deeply informed The StoreHouse’s compassionate, dignity-centered approach — ensuring that each person who comes through their doors is met with warmth, respect, and hope. For Mel, food distribution is not just about meals — it’s about restoring dignity and building community.

    Under her leadership, The StoreHouse has expanded its reach, supporting both families directly and has partnered with elected officials and nonprofits that distribute food and resources across the region. To date, the organization has served over 15,000 families through direct and indirect services and served more than 2 million pounds of food, becoming an essential element in the region’s hunger-relief infrastructure.

    Mel’s leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that “while our past may shape us, it does not define us.” That conviction drives her daily commitment to creating safe, supportive environments where people can find not only nourishment but also belonging. Her ability to blend operational excellence, authenticity, and heart has made The StoreHouse a trusted partner and advocate in the fight against hunger.

    As a thought leader in food justice and community health, Mel continues to advocate for policies and partnerships that promote equity and access.

    Through every distribution, collaboration, and conversation, she carries forward her mission: to serve, to heal, and to remind every person that they are seen, valued, and worthy of love.

“While our past may shape us, it does not define us.”