[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 154 (Friday, September 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           A TRIBUTE TO THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF FOOD FOR ALL

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 29, 1995

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of a 
distinguished nonprofit organization, Food for All, founded in 
Redlands, CA in 1985 by Linda and Milan Hamilton. In recognition of its 
years of growth and success, the innovative Food for All Program is 
making its 10th anniversary this year and will celebrate the occasion 
at a dinner ceremony on October 12.
  In cooperation with local retailers, Food for All offers consumers an 
easy and convenient way to support local efforts to combat hunger. Food 
for All's simple concept uses barcoded donor cards available at 
supermarket checkout stands which shoppers purchase along with their 
groceries. As the administrator of these funds, Food for All 
distributes 90 percent of these contributions in the form of grants to 
community-based organizations and international projects striving for 
long-term solutions to hunger. These grants are made through a network 
of volunteer committees and local grant advisory boards.
  Since 1985, Food for All has distributed 3,352 grants totaling more 
than $4.7 million. Of this amount, $2.2 million has gone to emergency 
food suppliers such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters; $1.4 
million has been awarded to multiservice agencies which help families 
and individuals develop the ability to support themselves and others; 
and $1.1 million has been granted to projects overseas which develop 
self-sufficiency for families and communities.
  The Food for All Program has grown and increased supermarket 
participation from two stores at inception to presently 1,713 stores in 
nine States. Supporting this worthy effort is a network of more than 
800 volunteers who participate in solicitation, merchandising, funds 
distribution, community outreach, and a number of other Food for All 
activities. In addition, I particularly want to recognize Paul Gerrard 
of Gerrard's Markets and Jack Brown of Stater Brothers Markets for 
their leadership in making Food for All the phenomenal success that it 
is today.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, and the many 
supporters of Food for All in recognizing this outstanding program for 
its community- and market-based approach to addressing hunger. As we 
recognize Food for All for its worthy contributions over the past 10 
years, let us not forget its origins in the hearts and minds of Linda 
and Milan Hamilton. For everything they and so many others have done to 
make it a success, it is only fitting that the House of Representatives 
pay tribute to Food for All today.

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