The Department of the Navy wrapped up more than two months of collection efforts in support of the Feds Feed Families Campaign Aug. 31 by donating 831,002 pounds of food to local food banks worldwide.
This number was almost 100,000 pounds more than the Department of Defense (DOD)-wide goal of 733,800 pounds and more than four times the Navy's goal of 200,000 pounds.
"Our sailors, civilians and their families rose to the occasion -- as they always do, and made the Feds Feed Families campaign a huge success. This program was led by our Navy chaplains and our results, in these uncertain financial times, speak to their superb leadership," said Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) Vice Adm. Michael Vitale.
Navy regions collected nonperishable goods from all participating Navy commands and ships around the globe. In June, collection stations were set up at multiple locations at every Navy installation where everything from food and basic hygiene supplies were collected in support of this annual federal food drive campaign. The food drive encouraged sailors, civilians and their families to bring nonperishable food items to their offices for distribution to local food banks.
"The Feds Feed Families campaign has been like a summer-long Olympic relay race," said Capt. James Fisher, CNIC director, strategic plans and programming for religious ministries and manager of the food drive. "Every member of the Navy team carried the baton of community, compassion and responsibility. In our last week of the race, we surpassed our goal, each one of us sprinting to the finish line, and together we achieved a great victory for our communities throughout this nation."
Food banks are most in need of donations during the summer months when donations are traditionally lower and children are out of school and unable to benefit from school-provided meals. CNIC, in conjunction with DOD and federal agencies nationwide, met the need and helped their fellow Americans.
Fisher said now that the campaign has ended, it should serve as a reminder to the difference one person, one command, or one Navy can make in the lives of others as they continue to be a global force for good.
