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Feds Feed Families 2022 launched

By: Sydney Sheffield

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced the kickoff of the 13th annual Feds Feed Families Program. The program is a voluntary food drive that encourages employees from all federal agencies to give in-kind contributions, food, services, or time, to food banks and pantries of their choice. The theme of this year’s feds Feed Families is Fighting Hunger – Giving Hope.

“As a department, USDA has taken steps to strengthen food security, drive down hunger, and put a greater emphasis on the importance of nutrition,” USDA Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, said in the announcement. “While USDA programs can help fill the gap, the need is great. That’s where Feds Feed Families comes in. And as civil servants, caring for our neighbors, that’s what we do.”

The launch event for this year was held at the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C. With the help of donors, volunteers, and partner organizations, the food bank distributes more than 45 million meals annually, or 88,000 meals a day. This year, the program will take place virtually due to the COVID-19 crisis. The summer giving ranges from June 27th to September 30th, but USDA encourages federal employees to give year-round. In 2022, more than 1.5 million pounds of food have been donated through the campaign.

The program comes at an important time, as donations are down. Capital Area Food Bank President and CEO Radha Muthiah shared the impact of COVID-19 on food assistance programs. Muthiah expressed that during these challenging times, Feds Feed Families is more important than ever before to meet the rising demand for food needed to unlock human potential.

"One box feeds a family of four for up to three days. On a good day, we pack 500 boxes a day. On a great day 2,500 boxes," said food bank volunteer, Maureen O'Donnell, stressing the importance of volunteering at food networks, as volunteer numbers are down.

Find out how to get involved here.