[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1356]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING TABLE TO TABLE'S EFFORTS DURING FOOD RESCUE AWARENESS WEEK

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                          HON. DAVID LOEBSACK

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. LOEBSACK. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the 
wonderful work of Table to Table during Food Rescue Awareness Week, 
which is being held September 24th through 30th. For the last twenty 
years, Table to Table has been committed to collecting nutritional, 
high-quality food from donors and distributing it through food 
establishments, food pantries, meal sites, and shelters to those who 
need it most in Johnson County.
   I grew up in poverty, and I know firsthand what it is like to worry 
about where my next meal might come from. Growing up, my single mom 
relied on food stamps at times in order to be able to feed my brothers, 
sister and me. I strongly believe that no Iowa child or family should 
go to bed hungry or have to wonder how they will afford their next 
meal.
   Hunger unfortunately continues to be a major problem in America and 
for many Iowa families. In Johnson County, one in seven residents 
relies on nutritional assistance in some way. That is why I am so 
grateful for Table to Table's efforts to fight food insecurity. Founded 
in 1996, Table to Table was the first food rescue charity in Iowa. 
Since then, Table to Table has provided the equivalent of 12.5 million 
meals consisting of food that would otherwise have been wasted and 
deposited in the landfill. This great organization has over 100 regular 
volunteers, collects from over 40 donation sites, and delivers to 36 
agency sites.
   On behalf of all of my constituents, I would like to thank Bob 
Andrlik, Executive Director of Table to Table, for his years of 
service, and Table to Table for providing quality nutrition for those 
who need it. I know I join my colleagues, friends, and fellow Iowans in 
wishing Table to Table the best of success during this year's Food 
Rescue Awareness Week and urging folks who can to contribute food or 
volunteer.

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