Weekly update on Washington National Guard COVID-19 relief efforts-2108041

WA, UNITED STATES

08.04.2021

Story by Sgt. Adeline Witherspoon      

122nd Theater Public Affairs Support Element

Release No. 2108041

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CAMP MURRAY, Wash. – Joint Task Force Steelhead, the Washington National Guard’s COVID-19 response force, continued to serve Washington communities by providing personnel and supporting food distribution across the state of Washington. In order to meet the changing needs of our state and our communities, we have concluded our mission in support of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, marking another milestone in the fight against COVID-19. JTF Steelhead is continuing the gradual reconsolidation of our service members for demobilization.

During the week of July 26 - August 1, 2021, the follow actions happened:

• 179,286 pounds of food and 5,223 meals were packaged and distributed by National Guard service members.
JTF Steelhead supported 22 food banks and distribution centers across the state. The Washington National Guard has continued to support the Washington State Department of Agriculture, and community food banks, to help alleviate food insecurity caused by COVID-19, until otherwise directed.

Key Events during the week of July 26-August 1, 2021:

• At the direction of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, JTF Steelhead concluded its mission in support of local food banks and distribution centers, July 30, 2021. The National Guard-- through JTF Steelhead--has enabled food banks to expand community support operations to include mobile food delivery, clothing distribution, backpack programs, and the revitalization of previously closed distribution sites.

Since March, 2020, the service members of the Washington National Guard have helped package and distribute more than 98.7 million pounds of food and over 6.5 million meals at 79 locations throughout Washington State.

The Washington National Guard, and JTF Steelhead, is proud to serve our communities by supporting the unified efforts of state and county emergency managers, during the COVID-19 response.

For additional questions please contact the JTF Steelhead Public Affairs Office at [e-mail] or call 253-512-4861.

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• Date Taken: 08.04.2021
• Date Posted: 08.04.2021 15:38
• Story ID: 402435
• Location: WA, US