[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1244]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NATIONAL CITY: VICTORY AGAINST HUNGER AWARD 
                               RECIPIENT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, and colleagues, I am pleased to recognize 
the Community Food Bank of National City as one of twelve recipients 
nationwide of the prestigious 5th Annual Victory Against Hunger Award.
  The Victory Against Hunger Awards are distributed to anti-hunger 
organizations that are using innovative methods to help food banks that 
are running on empty. These awards, which include checks of $1000 to 
each winning organization, are sponsored by the Congressional Hunger 
Center, headed by Representatives Tony Hall and Frank Wolf, and Victory 
Wholesale Grocers of Springboro, Ohio. By the end of last year's 
competition, a total of $38,000 in $1,000 checks had been presented by 
Members of Congress to their winning hunger-fighting organizations.
  The Community Food Bank is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty 
and providing emergency food to residents and transients, as well as 
assisting with needs beyond hunger such as clothing, housing, job 
placement, medical prescriptions, transportation and counseling.
  This service began in May of 1991. At that time, it was known as the 
Deacon's Food Closet of First Baptist Church of National City--the 
dream of Chuck and Betty Black, members of this congregation. The Food 
Bank operated one day each week out of a small room at this church 
site, serving forty to fifty families.
  In early 1997, a number of churches, social service agencies, and 
concerned citizens gathered to explore the possibilities for networking 
together with the hope of more effectively meeting the needs in the 
community. Out of this meeting came an expansion which includes a new 
name, a new location, plans to extend the hours of operations to three 
days per week, and the innovative collaboration of several community 
organizations. Working together, this wide range of groups and 
individuals are able to contribute far more to the community than 
working alone.
  The Board of Directors is now comprised of members from four 
community churches including St Matthew's Episcopal Church, First 
United Methodist Church, First Congressional Church, and First Baptist 
Church of National City, the Kiwanis Club of National City, Paradise 
Valley Hospital, the Family Resource Center, elected officials, and 
other leaders of the community. A side benefit of the expanded Food 
Bank is that the ecumenical ties and relationships between the 
congregations of the community have been strengthened and enriched.
  A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new location was 
just held on Monday, June 22nd, presided over by National City Mayor 
George Waters who was instrumental in obtaining this new site for the 
Food Bank.
  The goal of the Community Food Bank is to eventually work towards a 
five day operation. There are no paid staff, and a group of volunteers 
provide all the man and womanpower. The Food Bank holds several food 
drives each year and actively seeks cash donations to improve the 
quality and quantity of the food. They work to provide food that 
represents all major food groups.
  My congratulations go to the Community Food Bank of National City, to 
the officers (Chair Rev. Patricia Andrews-Callori, Vice Chair Rev. W. 
James Kilinsky, Secretary Rev. Adiel De Pano, and Treasurer Ben 
Martinez), and to all the other members of the community who are 
working together on this vital project. I am proud of the cooperation 
of so many community groups and individuals which is making a 
difference in the lives of many National City residents.

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