JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Food donations are being collected for the nationwide "Feds Feed Families" food drive campaign on Joint Base Charleston through the end of August.
In its third annual campaign, Feds Feed Families is an opportunity for federal employees to donate food to those less fortunate. The drive was originally initiated by the Office of Personnel Management, but this year OPM requested the support of the Department of Defense due to the impact of a series of natural disasters throughout the nation which depleted charitable resources.
"American families should never have to go hungry," said OPM Director John Berry. "Federal workers are big-hearted people who are eager to help those in their communities who need it most. Together, we hope to collect two million pounds of food nationwide this summer."
Last year, Feds Feed Families raised 1.7 million pounds of food during the summer months, far exceeding its goal of 1.2 million pounds. The DoD set a collection goal of 733,800 pounds of food and Commander, Navy Installation Command has partnered with the DoD in an effort to achieve this goal.
"The Navy Region Southeast has set a goal of 33,600 pounds in food donations for the campaign," said JB CHS-WS Feds Feed Families Food Drive Coordinator Chaplain (Lt. j.g.) John Quay. "We have six weeks left in the food drive and I believe we can achieve our own goal of 5,000 pounds in donations here at JB CHS-WS."
Donations collected on JB CHS-WS will be given to the Lowcountry Food Bank, which distributes healthy food and grocery products to nonprofit agencies that feed the poor and hungry of the 10 coastal counties of South Carolina.
"The Lowcountry food bank is the premier food bank in the area and they serve as a central point for other local charity centers," said Quay. "We felt that they are our best option to hand over the JB CHS-WS donations to because they do funnel food and donations out to other charities in the area and they are also concerned with providing healthy, nutritious diets to people in need."
The Lowcountry food bank is requesting the following items for donation: rice, tuna, grits, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter, canned beans, fruit and vegetables, diapers and personal hygiene items. Fifty-five gallon fiberboard containers have been placed at the Naval Exchange, All Saints Chapel, Naval Health Clinic Charleston and other key locations around JB CHS-WS to make it easy for Sailors and Airmen to donate during the campaign.
Personnel on JB CHS-Air Base who want to contribute may drop off their donations at the JB CHS-AB commissary.
"Generally, service members have the opportunity to share with those who are in great need," Quay said. "As Sailors and Airmen, we are blessed in a hard economy, have steady pay checks and services are provided for us during our own times of crisis."
"For those Sailors and Airmen who are able to and decide to donate, they will be making a difference in the lives of at least one family in need and that is significant," he continued. "Service members may not be able to help everyone, but we can help a few."
For further information about donating p contact Chaplain Quay at 764-7222, ext. 18.