In this time of giving thanks, it is important to take time to appreciate the blessings that we have received over the past year. The staff and partner agencies of the Capital Area Food Bank have been supported by the community in a variety of ways throughout the years, too many to name in one breath. We are grateful for the continuous support of our friends and neighbors as we continue our mission, day after day.
Over the past week, we have had the opportunity to host the closing ceremonies for the 4th annual Feds Feed Families food drive. This summer-long effort netted nearly 600,000 pounds of nonperishable food donations and produce for our neighbors in need, more than 100,000 pounds more than the year before. This government-wide food drive resulted in 7.2 million pounds of food donations for food banks across the country, exceeding last year’s total of 5.7 million pounds. The food donated by federal employees will provide nourishment to thousands in our community during this holiday season and in the months to come.
During the 2012 Feds Feed Families food drive closing ceremony at the Capital Area Food Bank on November 14, federal agencies were recognized for beating their poundage goals set at the beginning of the campaign. The winners in the various categories were acknowledged for their commitment to the food drive and for leading their federal agencies through a successful campaign. We were thrilled to finally celebrate the successful government-wide effort and to honor those who devoted time and energy during one very hot summer.
As an organization, we are so grateful for the hard work and dedication of the federal employees who participated in the food drive, led fundraising events, competed in golf tournaments and strategized donation pickup logistics for three solid months. We are thankful for the leadership provided by John Berry and his staff at the Office of Personnel Management. We know that without the partnership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Defense, the Feds Feed Families food drive could not have been possible.