WASHINGTON, June 27, 2022 – US Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the launch of the 13th annual Feed Feed Families program, a voluntary food campaign that encourages employees from all federal agencies to contribute in kind – food, services, and time – to food banks and pantries of their choice.
The USDA has the honor of campaigning for all federal employees. This year’s theme is Fighting Hunger – Giving Hope.
This year’s launch event was held at 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 a year. That’s an average of 88,000 meals a day.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Kim Peyser was available in the 2022 campaign, which focuses on summer donations from June 27 to September 30, as well as encouraging federal employees to give throughout the year. So far in 2022, more than £ 1.5 million in food has been donated through the campaign.
Peyser said more than 38 million Americans, including 12 million children, are experiencing food insecurity, thanking federal employees for participating in this important program.
Capital Area Food Bank President and CEO Radha Muthiah shared the impact of COVID-19 on food aid programs, noting that donations have been reduced. She said that in these challenging times, Federal Feed Feed Families is more important than ever to meet the growing 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 in food networks as the number of volunteers decreases.
Rebecca Williams, a food bank client whose family has fallen into difficult times, said “Everyone deserves access to food regardless of economic status, racial background or current situation.”
Photos and a live broadcast from today’s launch are available for viewing.
To learn more about the 2022 campaign, visit the Feds Feed Families Hub.
The USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
