Feds Feeding Families

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is partnering with other federal agencies in the 4th annual Feds Feed Families Food Drive.  Feds Feed Families is a voluntary effort undertaken by Federal employees around the country to collect and donate perishable and non-perishable goods to food pantries and banks in their communities.  The challenge, which began in early June, encourages USDA employees to "beat our best" and donate more than 1.8 million pounds of food, topping last summer's donation by USDA of 1.79 million pounds of food. Donations include fresh, healthy produce grown in People's Gardens across the country and collected from partnering with farmers and neighbors in local gleaning efforts.  "Across America - from our rural communities to our largest cities - we know there are families who are working hard but still need some help putting food on their plate," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. USDA field offices have already registered over 1400 food drives nationwide.