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Airmen exemplify core values with food campaign to support community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Bass
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Sumter United Ministries provided living assistance to approximately 870 families in the Sumter, South Carolina, area in 2014. Staying true to Air Force core values, Team Shaw members are doing their part to help those less fortunate.

Led by the 20th Force Support Squadron the local initiative of the Feds Feeding Families campaign is underway and scheduled to run through Oct. 2.

The annual, volunteer effort undertaken by the Food and Drug Administration gives Federal employees the opportunity to bring non-perishable food and hygiene items to their offices for distribution to Sumter United Ministries.

Feds Feeding Families began in 2009 as part of President Barack Obama's United We Serve initiative as a way to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during summer months.

"We're putting the community's needs above ourselves," said Capt. Aaron Blackburn, 20th FSS deputy sustainment services flight chief, speaking about the Air Force core value of service before self. "By trying to solicit goods for those who have had an unfortunate and hard time we're trying to help provide food that can make their lives just a little bit better."

Since 2009, the nationwide drive has collected nearly 39 million pounds of food.

"We're trying to put forth the best effort that we can," Blackburn said, referring to the Air Force value of excellence in all we do. "Whether we're doing a food drive, a pledge drive, or acts of service, we're going to do so excellently as to help others."

Team Shaw members can drop off food and hygiene items in any of the brown boxes labeled with the Feds Feeding Families poster inside many buildings across base.

In little more than two weeks, more than 2,000 pounds have already been donated; Blackburn hopes to see 10,000 pounds donated by the end of the campaign.

Suggested donations include: canned meats, fruits, soups, and vegetables; whole grain foods such as brown rice, cereal, and pasta; condiments; baking goods; and hygiene items such as deodorant, toothpaste, and shampoo.

"The Department of Defense has consistently supported this campaign and I strongly encourage your continued support," wrote Robert Work, Deputy Secretary of Defense, in a Nov. 26, 2014, campaign letter.

For more information about Feds Feeding Families, visit: www.usda.gov/fedsfeedfamilies.