FORT LEE, Va., 2014-10-10— /EPR Retail News/ — Commissary customers and employees donated nearly a million pounds of food and other needed items to local food banks and charitable organizations during the annual Feds Feed Families campaign, June 1-Sept. 12.
“Our customers and employees continue to support this program in an even bigger way every year,” said DeCA Director and CEO Joseph H. Jeu. “I’m so proud of their generosity and community spirit.”
Reflecting a 23 percent increase over last year’s donations, commissaries served as collection points on their installations for 960,950 pounds of goods. That amount reflects 30 percent of total Defense Department donations. DeCA locations have collected 30-40 percent of all DOD donations each year since 2011.
In 2013, nearly 740,000 pounds of grocery items were collected and donated through commissary collection points.
Commissaries traditionally develop donation packages, enabling busy customers to purchase a package and drop it in a donation bin as they leave the store.
Naval Station Mayport Commissary, Fla., led the way in donations for 2014, collecting more than 42,686 pounds. Barksdale Air Force Base Commissary, La., more than doubled last year’s 9,681 pounds in donations to nearly 22,000 pounds this year.
“Our patrons here are very supportive of this worthwhile cause,” said Barksdale Assistant Store Director Patricia Wilde.
NOTE: To see a photo and graphic related to Feds Feed Families, please visit our Flickr page.
About DeCA: The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwide chain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-percent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commissaries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings amounting to thousands of dollars annually. A core military family support element, and a valued part of military pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to family readiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military and their families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightest men and women to serve their country.
Media Contact:
Kevin L. Robinson
(804) 734-8000, Ext. 4-8773
kevin.robinson@deca.mil
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