PIKETON, Ohio  ̶ As part of the federal government’s Feds Feed Families campaign, employees at the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant donated 15,681 pounds of canned goods and other items to local food pantries in 2014.

Abigail Parish, the local Feds Feed Families coordinator for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), said contributions from DOE and site contractor staff have made a significant impact in the region.

“It makes me proud to be part of an effort that involves so many generous people who are trying to make a difference in our community,” Parish said. “This is an opportunity for us to give back because we have a lot of neighbors in need and our employees are answering the call.”

In a letter to DOE, Pike County Community Action Committee representative Pamela Crawford said DOE donations to the Pike County food pantry are impactful.

“Community Action Committee of Pike County would like to thank (DOE) for the continuous generous food donations. The food donated will help those who visit our pantry to have a variety of food items to choose from,” Crawford wrote.

Parish, DOE Facility Representative Dewintus Powell and contractor staff organized various fundraising activities, including ice cream socials, employee breakfasts and employee luncheons, among others.

Since the Feds Feed Families campaign began in 2009, workers across federal agencies have donated and collected more than 24 million pounds of food and non-perishable items to support families across America.