WASHINGTON – With the donation of just one can of nonperishable food, you can help a hungry family and can help make a difference in their lives, but time is running out.
The Feds Feed Families food drive comes to a close, Aug. 31. There is still time to donate and make a positive impact in the region’s most needy neighborhoods.
Canned fruit; vegetables; proteins, including fish, chicken, beans and peanut butter; cereals; soups, snacks, condiments; juice, paper products and hygiene items are needed.
“Just one can of food per person who lives or works at JBAB can make a huge difference,” according to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling commander, Navy Capt. Anthony T. Calandra. “Contributing to the food drive shows that our military personnel, employees, contractors and their families care,” he added.
Echoing that sentiment, the Defense Intelligence Agency is holding an event to further encourage its personnel to contribute.
“The DIA workforce is looking forward to the ‘One Can Day.’ In just one day, DIA has the potential to raise three tons of food for distribution to help area families in need,” said a DIA spokesperson.
Another DIA spokesperson added, “DIA enthusiastically supports the Fed Feeds Families food drive.” So far, DIA personnel based at JBAB have donated over 4,500 lbs. of food, according to Air Force Master Sgt. Ray King of the JBAB Religious Services department.
Donating is easy. The Army and Air Force Exchange Service Express at JBAB sells canned food, including fruits, meats, fish and vegetables.
JBAB’s Commissary, operated by the Defense Commissary Agency (DECA), sells nine pounds of nonperishable food, prepackaged specifically for the food drive and for the convenience of customers who wish to donate to the drive. The cost is just $8.75, according to Linda Elliott, store manager.
Food Bank collection boxes are located on base at the AAFES Exchange; AAFES Express; DECA Commissary; the White House Communications Agency; Joint Air Defense Operations Center; JBAB Military Family Support Center; Navy Ceremonial Guard; Air Force Departmental Publishing Office and Commander, Navy Installations Command Fleet and Family Readiness; DIA; Air Force 579th Medical Group; JBAB Public Works, Headquarters Building and Religious Services Chapels; JBAB Unaccompanied Housing locations (Funari Hall, Blanchard Hall and the Air Force Honor Guard barracks) Air Force 11th Operations Group; Lincoln Military Housing’s Bellevue Housing and the Hunt Companies’ Bolling Housing Community Centers.