Source: National Security Agency NSA
National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS) affiliates across the Enterprise helped raise 136,472 pounds of food in this year’s Feds Feed Families (FFF) Summer Food Drive.
“The success of this year’s campaign is a testament to those who gave generously to help their community,” said Gen Tim Haugh, Commander, USCYBERCOM, Director, NSA/Chief, CSS.
The drive concluded in August, with NSA/CSS Washington’s portion going to a local food bank, which provides more than 41 million meals to families in need every year.
“It’s incredible to see firsthand the impact that this Agency has on the local community,” said FFF Program Manager Veronica Maylish Beckenstrater. “I witnessed so much generosity — from folks dropping food off to online donations, including those who donated to enter the cutest pet photo contest.”
“I was so pleased to see employees getting involved with the events and contests this year,” said Marlisa Smith, NSA Chief of Staff and senior advocate for the 2024 FFF campaign. “Giving back is such a wonderful way for our employees to make a difference.”
The overall FFF campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is an annual government-wide campaign that encourages Federal Government employees to donate food, money, or volunteer hours. It occurs during the summer months to help food banks and pantries stay stocked during a period when donations usually decline and the need increases.
“Some affiliates may not realize how empty local food banks can get during the summer months,” said NSA’s volunteer program manager. “It’s actually been hard to schedule volunteer morale building activities at food banks in the NSA Washington area this spring and summer because some of their shelves have been bare.”
The generosity of NSA/CSS employees helped to fill this gap, according to Maylish Beckenstrater.
“The FFF team and workforce’s dedication was vital to the success of the campaign and will provide food to many families and their pets in our community,” said State and Local Affairs Chief Barry Boseman.
When combined with NSA/CSS’s contributions to the Combined Federal Campaign that were given to charities focused on food and nutrition, NSA has donated 1,417,631 pounds so far this calendar year.
“This makes NSA/CSS the second highest food donor in the Department of Defense so far this year, which is pretty incredible,” said Maylish Beckenstrater.