EM federal and contractor employees across the DOE complex donated tens of thousands of pounds of food for people in need during this year’s annual Feds Feed Families campaign.
At the Hanford Site, the Office of River Protection (ORP) exceeded its goal of 10,000 pounds of food donations. ORP employees collected 566 pounds of food and donated $2,165 to local food banks. The cash donations equal about 13,000 pounds of food, bringing the ORP campaign total to nearly 13,600 pounds.
"These donations make a significant difference in our local community, and are especially needed as we get closer to the holidays," ORP Manager Brian Vance said. "I'm proud of our staff for their generosity and for exceeding our goal of 10,000 pounds for the second straight year."
The Richland Operations Office (RL) beat its goal for this year’s campaign and gathered tons more in food donations than the previous year. A final push hauled in 5,000 pounds and brought the RL total to 8,097 pounds, surpassing by far the RL campaign goal of 3,000 pounds.
“I’m very proud of Richland employees for stepping up for this great cause," RL Manager Doug Shoop said. “Some friendly competition among our divisions helped boost donations, but the true benefit has been helping others in need together."
The Portsmouth/Paducah Project Office (PPPO) sent more food to local nonprofits for distribution to people in need this year than ever before, said PPPO’s Susan Sparks, who coordinates the annual drive.
“Thanks to the efforts of our employees and contractors, we added substantial weight to the shelves of Ohio and Kentucky charity food banks this year," Sparks said.
Employees at PPPO’s three locations collected nearly 30,000 pounds of donations. This included 20,333 pounds from the Paducah Site in Kentucky, 6,310 pounds from the Portsmouth Site in Ohio, and 3,089 pounds from PPPO’s office in Lexington, Kentucky.
The Feds Feed Families campaign conducted by the EM Consolidated Business Center (EMCBC) in Cincinnati supports food pantries across the Cincinnati area.
EMCBC employees donated more than 1,100 pounds of food. The center noted that three employees each brought in over 200 pounds of items.
“We have a great organization that shows their generosity and connection to our community in so many ways," EMCBC Director Kash Grimes said. “Feds Feed Families is a wonderful cause and provides a great opportunity to give back in such a meaningful way."
Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy, Office of Environmental Management
