[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 169 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


    RECOGNIZING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREASURE COAST FOOD BANK

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                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, for the past twenty five years employees and 
volunteers from the Treasure Coast Food Bank have been aiding in the 
mission to alleviate hunger by collecting and distributing food and 
other essentials to local Florida residents in need. Our community has 
been well-served by the staff and volunteers of Treasure Coast Food 
Bank and they are to be commended for twenty six years of hard work and 
dedication in serving our community.
  The Treasure Coast Food Bank is one of 14 food banks in Florida and 
the only food bank to serve the four county areas of Indian River, St. 
Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties.
  Led by CEO Judith A. Cruz and the dedicated staff of the Food Bank, 
the Treasure Coast Food Bank is a nonprofit clearinghouse that 
collects, stores, and distributes useable surplus food to non-profit 
organizations that then provide it to those in need at no cost.
  Treasure Coast Food Bank is a partner with Feeding America (formerly 
called America's Second Harvest) the national network of more than 200 
food banks. In 2011, Treasure Coast Food Bank distributed almost 8 
million pounds of food within our communities.
  In addition to their core mission, Treasure Coast Food Bank provides 
educational resources and guided tours of their headquarters to the 
public so our community can gain a greater understanding of what a Food 
Bank does, how it serves a critical role in fighting hunger on the 
Treasure Coast and how the public can become more involved in 
supporting the Food Bank and its clients.
  The Treasure Coast Food Bank has enjoyed a longstanding reputation 
for treating all people with respect and dignity. I commend all of 
those who have given time and support over the last 25 years to sustain 
the Treasure Coast Food Bank and ensure that it can fulfill its 
mission. We are all proud of their success and commitment to serving 
our community.
  Throughout the course of American history, non-profit and charitable 
organizations have always played a critical role helping those in need. 
The Treasure Coast Food Bank is a living testament to that effort. They 
allow each and every one of us to directly make a difference in the 
lives of those who have fallen on hard times and need a helpful hand. 
Organizations like the Treasure Coast Food Bank are often more 
successful, more compassionate and more personally connected than a 
government program.
  As we enter the holiday season, this is a good time for us to think 
about those who may be in need and consider ways that we might support 
efforts like those of the Treasure Coast Food Bank.

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