JBSA-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
With the Agriculture Department's annual "Feds Feed Families" food drive underway, the Department of Defense has once again been asked to help with logistical support and food donations.
The campaign, which runs through August, is a voluntary effort undertaken by federal employees to bring nonperishable food items to their offices for distribution to local food banks.
"The 2013 food drive was overwhelmingly successful, as food donations across the federal government totaled 9 million pounds, with DOD alone contributing more than 1.9 million pounds of food," said Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work in a memo to Defense Department leaders.
So where does the food collected during the campaign go? Who benefits?
"San Antonio is Military USA and whether you are active duty, retired, civil service or a family member ... our support comes from the community," said Eric Cooper, president and chief executive office of the San Antonio Food Bank, located on Highway 151 just north of Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. "This campaign is an important strategy to bring awareness about the food bank to federal employees and military families as well as bringing tons of food and grocery products to those who need it most.
"When I think of our military, they are always taking care of business and taking care of the needs of the people and the nation," Cooper said. "There is no more basic need than food. This campaign is a way to help build a safety net, which some military members and federal employees needed during last year's government shutdowns. A lot of people are often just one emergency or one unexpected bill away from not being able to put food on the table."
The San Antonio Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 500 partner agencies - such as food panties, shelters, churches, soup kitchens, senior center and shelters - in 16 counties through South Texas, helping almost 60,000 people. The SAFB service area reaches north to Kerrville, south to LaSalle County, west to Uvalde, and east to Seguin.
In fiscal year 2013, the SAFB provided nearly 50 million pounds of food. It relies on the generosity and support of local businesses, churches, foundations, corporations, government, civic groups and individuals in order to successfully continue serving Texans who are at risk of going hungry.
Who receives emergency food assistance? According to the SAFB, 36 percent of their clients are children under the age of 18 years old, 46 percent of households include at least one employed adult, 67 percent have incomes below the federal poverty level during the previous month and 8 percent are homeless.
Hunger crosses all societal lines as about 22 percent of SAFB clients are non-Hispanic white, 7 percent are non-Hispanic black, 69 percent are Hispanic and the rest are from other racial groups.
"This campaign is a great way for the military community to impact the community in a positive way," Cooper said. "It brings awareness to the issue of hunger and awareness helps spur action."
Cooper added that the SAFB's iconic red barrels should start showing up at locations throughout Joint Base San Antonio any day.
The most critical non-perishable food items needed include rice, beans, peanut butter, tuna, macaroni and cheese, chili, canned stews and soup, canned luncheon meats, pop-top food items and full meals in a can or box.
For more information about the Feds Feed Families campaign, visit http://www.usda.gov/fedsfeedfamilies. For more information about the San Antonio Food Bank, visit http://www.safoodbank.org.