Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C. -- As soon as you walk into the commissary aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, you will see brown paper bags labeled ‘Feds Feed Families’ and if you are unfamiliar with the campaign, you may ask yourself what that could be.
Military customers and federal employees can donate nonperishable food and personal hygiene items to the campaign using marked bins located at the entries or exits of participating commissaries.
Donations to the program help charitable organizations such as the local food bank.
“This program is important to charitable organizations like food banks,” said DECA director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. “It collects food items and other needed items that some families might not get otherwise. It’s a great way for employees and customers to give back to our communities.”
Last year, more than 660,000 pounds of items were donated at commissary locations. Overall, the combined total for all federal agencies was 7.2 million pounds during the 2012 campaign. Commissaries collected 30 percent of the DOD total. This year the campaign, which began June 1, runs through Aug. 31.
Jennifer Anderson, family readiness officer for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, expressed her excitement for the campaign.
“I think it's wonderful that the New River commissary's patrons are generously participating in this program,” said Anderson. “The commissary has shared the donations with the Fisher House on Camp Lejeune and with the FROs. Fisher House provides a place for families of wounded/ill/injured service members a place to stay close to their Marine or Sailor, and the donated food ensures the families are well fed so they may focus on supporting their loved one's recovery.”
Commissaries will sell donation packages that allow customers to purchase a package and drop it in donation bins as they leave the store. Last year, commissaries sold more than 9,000 donation packages, totaling more than $83,000.
For those interested in buying a package, the commissary sells the bags for $10 and
• Canned vegetables – low sodium, no salt
• Canned fruits – in light syrup or its own juices
•Canned proteins – tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter
• Grains – brown and white rice, oatmeal, , quinoa, couscous, pasta, and macaroni and cheese.
For more information on purchasing a bag or how to donate contact the commissary at 910-449-6395.