MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. - The Marine Corps Air Station New River Commissary is hosting a Feds Feed Families food drive campaign, until Aug. 31.
The fundraising campaign began from the Serve America Act, a program that urged Americans to assist with the nation’s economic recovery by doing their part to help their communities.
Military personnel and federal employees can take part in this fundraiser by purchasing a $10 prepackaged food donation bag offered at the air station commissary.
From canned vegetables, fruits and meats to household and hygiene items, the donation bags are filled with a wide variety of items that could be of great help for those in need.
“To date, the air station’s commissary has donated more than 650 pounds of food to the food drive,” said Pat Tourish, the commissary store director.
Donations given to the program go directly to helping charitable organizations such as local food banks.
“Defense Commissary Agency customers and employees can and will make a difference in the lives of children and families dealing with hunger,” said Joseph H. Jeu, director and CEO of the agency.
Commissaries nationwide host the fundraising event annually and is an excellent opportunity for military personnel and federal employees to give back to their communities, Tourish said.
“The donations have really started to pick up, and we are hopeful about this year’s turnout,” said Tourish.
During last year’s fundraiser, the Department of Defense raised 770,000 pounds of food and has set this year’s goal at 1.5 million pounds.
“In this economy, sometimes it’s hard to make ends meet,” said Jeu. “More people than ever before are using food banks, which are struggling to meet the demand. This food drive is an extra boost to keep families fed.”