It takes a village: Feds honor local heroes with “Feeding Families Trophy Award!”

It was an honor to be in the room with the staff, that displayed pride and compassion for our nation’s Veterans. South Texas Veterans Health Care System joined the Feds Feed Families (FFF) campaign in 2020, with a total of 10 remote teams at the inception of COVID. 

Nothing would prohibit STVHCS staff from all hospitals and clinics, from collecting a large number of food contributions, with the focal point being a "village." For 2024 FFF 90-day campaign, KVAMC added a little spice to their efforts, pushing beyond the last year’s National VA System record of 7525 meals, to a new record food contribution of 211,675 pounds, providing 10,966.6 meals for Veterans, their families, and caregivers. 

This year's champion trophy goes to Kerrville's own Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Maria Del Carmen Jury and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) Erin Burgess for their incredible triumph in combating hunger! This 90-day campaign encouraged many Veterans and staff to donate not only physical goods and money, but also their time. 

We all know how valuable our time is, so Jury and Burgess invested their time in organizing strategies with collection barrels and promoting staff engagement, combating food insecurities in their communities, as well as devising novel solutions, by arranging food on a bench outside of their clinic to take a photo and add the tagline "No Room for Hunger,". 

These efforts give the embodiment of this team's commitment, to going above and beyond for Veterans, their families, caregivers and the community. This dynamic duo with the assistance of the Red Pact team, rightfully deserves this award in a huge way! 

“Many people with food insecurities will benefit from your generosity. Thank you does not begin to express my gratitude,” said Jury with tears rolling down her cheeks.

Compassion

In 2021, the 90-day campaign, collected 42,751.5 total pounds of food donations, which provided 56,056.3 meals to the local food bank. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture... “The Feds Feed Families (FFF), campaign launched in 2009 with a focus on government-wide food drives which encourages employees from all federal departments and agencies to give in-kind contributions such as food, services, and time to food banks and pantries.” 

Jury took this personally. Her local studies expanded beyond KVAMC to include partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. With this finding, she became more determined, motivated, purposeful, and committed to fighting hunger for our Veterans. Jury's victory speech, delivered with a smile on her face, exudes love and passion as she expresses gratitude to everyone for their support. 

“I appreciate the opportunity to be part of such great cause. I am looking forward to seeing how we all come together next campaign and continuing to improve the lives and well being of those in need one pound at a time,” said Jury. 

If you would like to donate to your local VA medical Center or find out more information, please click on this link FedsFeedFamilies.