CHERRY POINT, N.C. — Joining the Feds Feed Families campaign, Marines and civilians aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point are collecting nonperishable food items for donation to local food banks through Aug. 31.
The station collected more than 1,500 pounds of food July 13 and delivered it to the Havelock and Cherry Point Ministerial Outreach food bank.
President Barack Obama initiated the Feds Feed Families program as a way for federal employees to help families who are not able to take advantage of school meal programs during the summer months.
Donations can be dropped in designated boxes aboard the air station at the Marine Corps Exchange, the Seven Day Store, Miller’s Landing, and more.
“There’s always been a very strong and close relationship between Havelock and Cherry Point,” said Kerry L. Stratton, the program manager for the Feds Feed Families campaign aboard Cherry Point. “We’re hoping to continue the contributions, kindness and generosity of federal employees for this next month and half to strengthen that bond.”
The food collected from the station goes directly to local families. Caroline Mewborn, the director of the Havelock and Cherry Point Ministerial Outreach said the donations came just in time because the food bank was running low on supplies. She added the economy has led to increased demand.
“We helped 116 families last month,” said Mewborn. “When I first started five years ago, it was between 30 and 40 families, now it’s always about 100 every month.”
“Any opportunity for us as federal employees to share our good fortune with those less fortunate is a great thing,” said Stratton. “We’re continue to get tremendous support from all kinds of entities on base.”
The campaign continues until Aug. 31. Nonperishable foods, hygiene items and household supplies are in the highest demand, according to the program website.
For more information or to volunteer, call Stratton at 466-8136. The official website for the campaign is http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov