OPM, USDA Encourage Federal Workforce’s Support in Health, Hunger Relief
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Kiran Ahuja, in a memorandum to agency leadership this week, outlined ways that federal employees can contribute to the White House's effort to combat hunger and improve Americans' health. By raising awareness and volunteering in tangible ways, the memo noted the Department of Agriculture's (USDA) governmentwide effort to donate food to hungry families called Feds Feed Families and the White House's upcoming Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.
During the conference on September 28, officials will announce plans to end hunger and increase physical activity by 2030, which includes plans to increase access to healthy food, increase nutrition's role in health care, and encourage more physical activity.
Since 2009, the Feds Feed Families campaign has collected over 99 million pounds of food. This year's 2022 Feds Feed Families campaign will take place in communities where social distancing is in case, as well as virtually through online donations.
“Over the years, we have witnessed the remarkable generosity of our federal workforce in collecting millions of pounds of food and non-perishable items through the Feds Feed Families campaign,” Director Ahuja wrote. “In Washington, D.C., the Capital Area Food Bank receives collections and distributes them through their network of over 700 partner agencies. Outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area, agencies support their communities by either coordinating through their Federal Executive Board, or by reaching out to their local area food banks.”
Moreover, OPM and the USDA are coordinating an effort between September 26 and 30 to raise awareness about issues surrounding hunger and chronic dietary conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. To promote physical activity, OPM is encouraging all federal employees to take a walk 30 minutes away from their workstations, whether they are in federal offices or teleworking or remotely working from home. On September 29 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, agencies and employees are encouraged to "combine efforts" in an "all out" walk. To participate in the events, agencies should grant employees 30 minutes of administrative leave, organize food drives at federal offices, and encourage employees to donate non-perishable food items to local food banks.
“Through a walk activity, FedsWISH champions nationwide efforts to address health challenges and end hunger in communities across the country,” Director Ahuja continued. “Agency heads are encouraged to fully support their Feds Feeds Families [food bank partner] in promoting FedsWISH. [They] may engage with USDA and OPM for collaboration and assistance.”