MCAS New River doubles 2013 donations for Feds Feed Families

Photo By Cpl. Mark Watola | Patrons shop at the commissary, which participates in the Fed Feeds Families program, aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, Sept. 3. The New River commissary broke its 2013 donation record of 2,200 pounds by more than doubling its food donations this year, collecting more than 5,500 in food donations.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, UNITED STATES

09.03.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Mark Watola 

Marine Corps Installations East       

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - The commissary aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River is one of many federal organizations to participate in the Feds Feed Families Program.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s program started in 2009 and since has collected more than 24 million pounds of food to support communities and families in need. In 2013, the program collected more than 9 million pounds government-wide.

“Last year, the New River commissary collected more than 2,200 pounds in food donations,” said Christy Hutchinson, MCAS New River Commissary secretary. “We doubled our numbers this year, with more than 5,500 pounds worth of food donations. Our donations doubled due to increased awareness and grab bags.”

The grab bags provide customers with a simpler option to donate, said Pat Tourish, New River commissary store director. If the customer wants to donate, they can purchase a grab bag for a lower price, and drop off their donation as they leave the commissary.

Donations from New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune are shared between the base chapel, the Fisher House aboard Camp Lejeune and the Onslow County Soup Kitchen.

The program provides families with donations, but also lets the community know that there are people willing to help, said Hutchinson.

“Feds Feed Families is a great program,” said Tourish, a Jacksonville, North Carolina, native. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to help others.”

• Date Taken: 09.03.2014
• Date Posted: 09.12.2014 14:59
• Story ID: 141967
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, NC, US
• Hometown: JACKSONVILLE, NC, US