Commissary, community support "Feds Feed Families" food drive Published July 19, 2011 By Senior Airman Joe McFadden 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- The Hurlburt Field Commissary is teaming up with fellow Air Commandos to participate in the 2011 Feds Feed Families food drive through Aug. 31. As part of the campaign, the commissary will leave collection bins near its entrances and exits for patrons to donate canned foods and non-perishable items intended for food banks and family shelters in the local community. "We're the main collection point for Hurlburt Field," said Jack Spence, Hurlburt Field Commissary store director. "And with 1,300 customers a day, we're also one of the busiest places on base." The federal campaign's goal is to collectively raise two million pounds of food and other essential goods, including 733,800 pounds from the Department of Defense. Hurlburt Field's relative target is to bring in more than 2,500 pounds, a challenge Spence said the base populace should look forward to meeting and exceeding. "The military community overall is one of the most generous communities out there," he said. "They've been known to help each other, and when there's a disaster, they're the first to pitch in. I think it's just a natural fit with the military community. So if you're thinking about donating, follow your conscience. If you feel it, do it." Organizers like Staff Sgt. Ryan Vaught, 1st Special Operations Equipment Maintenance Squadron aircraft technology craftsman and base campaign point of contact, urged people to think of the program as more than merely dropping off cans on their way out of the building, "This is all about people buying food for their family," Vaught said. "There are those who don't have the resources, money or ability to feed their family. For those who can feed their families and have the ability to help out others, why not lend a helping hand to your fellow man especially in their time of need?" This year's donations will go to a domestic violence center in the local area, Vaught said. He also hopes to recruit POC's from each squadron on base to bolster more interest. "You can give as much as you want and at any time," he said. "Our main goal is to get as many people involved in this campaign and help as many families as possible." With weeks left until the campaign ends, the commissary and campaign organizers said they are depending on shoppers like Senior Airman Howard Schilling, 2nd Combat Weather Systems Squadron tactical weather systems trainer, who dropped off a few cans of green beans and corn during his trip. "There are a lot of families struggling to make ends meet, especially in this economy," Schilling said. "It's important to help those who don't have as much as we do, and that's why I'm donating." According to a Defense Commissary Agency press release, the Feds Feed Families campaign grew out of the Serve America Act that created "United We Serve," an initiative that urged Americans to contribute to the nation's economic recovery by helping their communities. Below is the list of items most needed as identified in the press release: Canned vegetables - low sodium, no salt Canned fruits - in light syrup or its own juices Canned proteins - tuna, salmon, chicken, peanut butter and beans Soups - beef stew, chili, chicken noodle, turkey or rice Condiments - tomato-based sauces, light soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing or oils Snacks - individually packed snacks, crackers, trail mix, dried fruit, granola and cereal bars, pretzels and sandwich crackers Multigrain cereal 100 percent juice - all sizes, including juice boxes Grains - brown and white rice, oatmeal, bulgar, quinoa, couscous, pasta and macaroni and cheese Paper products and household items - paper towels, napkins, cleaning supplies Hygiene items - diapers, deodorants (men and women), feminine products, toilet paper, tissues, soap, toothpaste and shampoo For more information about the Feds Feed Families program, visit the Hurlburt commissary, go to www.commissaries.com or visit http://www.fedsfeedfamilies.gov/index.aspx. For information on how to donate, contact Vaught at 884-6175 or your unit's campaign POC.