JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
There are many families across the National Capital Region who don't know where their next meal is coming from. That is where the second annual Feds Feed Families food drive comes in.
The Feds Feed Families food drive consists of various federal agencies, including Joint Base Andrews, collecting food for local food banks and it runs until the end of the month.
"This year a lull in donations combined with the state of the economy have exhausted the shelves of food pantries across the country," said Capt. Christopher Brubaker, 1st Helicopter Squadron C-Flight commander. "We, in the military are provided this opportunity to support the community in which we work and live by donating to this cause."
There are a couple of ways to help out with the cause; the many donation boxes set up across base and the commissary collection point.
"The commissary collection point is an opportunity for volunteers to work a two hour shift informing shoppers of the food drive before they do their shopping," Captain Brubaker said. "It provides a convenient way for shoppers to donate."
Volunteers are still needed to work the commissary collection point.
"We're still looking for volunteers. There will be an opportunity to sign up for commissary shifts at the Team Andrews Quarterly Awards Aug. 10," said 1st Lt. Josh Frizzell, 316th Security Forces Squadron. "It's our biggest source of donations."
"In just over two weeks we've collected just over 2,000 pounds of food," Captain Brubaker said.
According to the Feds Feed Families website, http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov/index.aspx, the most needed items are below.
Non perishable food items:
Canned proteins (tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter)
Canned fruits in own juices or light syrup (pineapples, peaches, and pears)
All sizes, including juice boxes, of 100 percent fruit juices
Grains (pasta, whole wheat pasta, rice, brown rice, macaroni and cheese)
Condiments (tomato based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, light salad dressings)
Low sodium or no salt added canned vegetables (mixed, green beans, corn)
Soups (beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey rice)
Multigrain cereal (cheerios, cornflakes, grapenuts, raisin bran)
Hygiene products:
Diapers
Deodorants for men and women
Feminine products
Toilet paper
Tissues
Soap
Toothpaste
Shampoo
For more information or to sign up to volunteer, call Lieutenant Frizzell at 301-981-8946.