Fighting Hunger Takes an Army
By Jaz Levario
U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens Public Affairs
November 29, 2021
USAG FORT DEVENS, Ma. (Nov. 29, 2021) - - U.S. Army Garrison Fort Devens held their 2nd annual food drive from November 8-19, 2021, collecting 425 lbs of non-perishable goods in the weeks leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday.
“This is our way of giving back to the community,” said Keith Jackson, Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security at USAG Fort Devens. “This food drive doesn’t just take care of Devens but all the surrounding communities as well; we are able to make the biggest impact.”
Members of USAG Fort Devens collected non-perishable items to donate to Loaves and Fishes, a local food pantry, to support families in need. Loaves and Fishes is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 1983 to help our neighbors in need. With the help of volunteers and donors, they serve the communities of Ayer, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Littleton and Shirley. More than 350 volunteers come together to help over 900 client families from their area of service.
Seeing the need to help the community during the pandemic last year, the Garrison staff brainstormed ways to give back and realized food drives make the most direct and immediate impact on the community and families in need.
“It’s an honor and privilege to continue a fabulous annual event that supports families in need within a community that supports Fort Devens. We are ecstatic of this year’s food drive success and the impact it leads to. Fort Devens is very proud of Loaves & Fishes and what they accomplish,” said Lieutenant Colonel Trent Colestock, USAG Fort Devens Commander.
Loaves & Fishes offers assistance to struggling families by providing the opportunity for them to shop for groceries up to twice a month. Their drive-thru pantry service is open Wednesdays & Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Holiday hours are in effect; please call 978-772-4627, x312 for more information.
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