WASHINGTON, D.C. – On June 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture kicked off the 12th annual government-wide Feds Feed Families campaign, a voluntary food drive which encourages employees from all federal agencies to give in-kind contributions – food, services and time – to food banks and pantries of their choice.

The 2021 campaign focuses on summer giving from June 1 – August 31 and also encourages federal employees to give year-round. USDA is the designated lead agency and will offer communications and organizing guidance before, during and after the summer campaign.

Today, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack gave remarks to encourage participation in this food drive during the Virtual Launch Event. Watch the recording below.

The 2021 campaign focuses on online donations and virtual food drives, while also providing guidance for in-person donations and events as appropriate. Forest Service employees can go to the FFF Hub to find out how and where to donate online or in-person at food banks and food pantries, how to organize virtual food drives, how to find field or warehouse gleaning opportunities, and how to share donation success stories. Since FFF in-kind donations are measured in pounds rather than dollars, the new website makes it easier than ever to record contributions.

There are many ways to participate and get involved:

• Become a FFF Champion.
• Find a food pantry or food bank and donate online or in person: Purchase food online and have it delivered directly to a food bank or pantry. Drop off food donations at your local food bank or pantry.
• Volunteer on your own time: Plant-a-Row: Harvest and donate produce from neighborhood gardens and trees. Glean at a farm or food bank to harvest produce or help food distribution.
• Host or attend a virtual food drive event: Join your colleagues online to learn about food insecurity in your community and how to voluntarily donate. For event ideas please see the FFF Events Handbook.
• Combined Federal Campaign: Consider donating to a food bank or food pantry through the CFC September-January giving season. Monetary value and time will be converted into pounds.

The State and Private Forestry Deputy Area is honored to chair the 2021 FFF Campaign. Last year, with your help, the agency donated over 76,500 pounds. This year, we hope you will help us to hit our target as an agency to donate over 80,000 pounds.

If you have any questions or would like to serve as a FFF contact for your WO staff, region, station, or other Forest Service unit to help motivate your colleagues to participate and work as a team, please contact Matthews Smith, Acting Chief of Staff, State and Private Forestry, at matthews.smith@usda.gov or (202) 430-9278.