Laughlin stocks food bank with largest donation yet

Photo By Master Sgt. Nathan Maysonet | Col. Thomas Shank, 47th Flying Training Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Teresa Clapper, 47th FTW command chief, pose with community leaders, volunteers and Val Verde Loaves and Fishes food pantry staff in front of food donated as part of the Feds Feed Families campaign in Del Rio, Texas, Nov. 12, 2015. Shank and Clapper were on hand to celebrate the handover of more than 24,000 pounds of non-perishable food items collected by the men and women living and working on Laughlin Air Force Base for the local food bank, which helps feed approximately 18,000 families in and around Del Rio each year. (U.S Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet)  

DEL RIO, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

11.13.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Nathan Maysonet 

47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - Laughlin concluded the annual Feds Feed Families campaign in early October with members of Team XL donating their largest cumulative amount to date, helping to feed hungry families in the surrounding community.

Team XL finished the campaign with 24,327 pounds of food donated to the Val Verde Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

“Laughlin once again displayed its overwhelming kindness and generosity in donating its largest amount ever to the local area,” said Maj. Derek Flynn, 87th Flying Training Squadron assistant director of operations.

Created in 2009, the Feds Feed Families campaign has successfully curbed hunger in the United States by accepting donations from federal employees and working with a network of food banks throughout the nation.

The nationwide campaign had yet another record-setting year by collecting over 17 million pounds of food donations.

“With regards to total tonnage of donations collected, Laughlin finished third in all of Air Education Training Command and fifth in the Air Force, which is amazing considering we’re one of the smaller bases,” said Flynn.

Laughlin is no stranger to helping the Del Rio community’s food bank. With the Feds Feed Families food drive and the Running with the Bulls 5k/10k, both annual events, the local food bank has been able to feed thousands of families here in Del Rio.

“Over 1,300 families were fed just in the month of October, including over 2,400 adults and 460 children,” said Gisela Lenz, operations director at Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry. “Laughlin’s Feds Feed Families campaign helped to replenish a much-needed supply of canned goods, allowing the food bank to distribute its full portion meals to families in need.”

Even though the campaign is over, local food banks still welcome donations, especially during the upcoming holiday season. To donate, contact Val Verde Loaves and Fishes at 830-719-0122.

• Date Taken: 11.13.2015
• Date Posted: 11.16.2015 15:00
• Story ID: 182052
• Location: DEL RIO, TEXAS, US