[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 199 (Wednesday, December 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1662]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MELODY WATTENBARGER

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 6, 2017

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to recognize Ms. Melody Wattenbarger, the CEO and President of 
Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico. Ms. Wattenbarger has worked 
tirelessly to fight hunger for over 30 years.
  As CEO and President of Roadrunner Food Bank, Melody created 
innovative approaches to aid families facing hunger across New Mexico. 
Her leadership enabled the food bank to assist 70,000 people each week. 
She created and strengthened key partnerships across communities, 
including partnerships with schools, doctors, private industry leaders, 
senior centers, and food pantries. Melody was the founding President of 
the board for the New Mexico Association of Food Banks from 1999 to 
2004 and continues to hold a seat on the board
  Melody Wattenbarger's leadership in hunger relief has not only helped 
New Mexicans; she was the founding executive director of the High 
Plains Food Bank in Amarillo, Texas, she worked for the National Food 
Bank Network (Feeding America), and she regularly served on a variety 
of Feeding America committees. Melody was named the 2017 John van 
Hengel Fellow by Feeding America. The award ``recognizes the recipient 
for their leadership, local impact, national influence, commitment, and 
entrepreneurial spirit in the area of hunger relief.''
  I am proud to honor Ms. Melody Wattenbarger for her leadership in the 
fight against hunger. Her efforts are inspirational to the entire 
community in New Mexico. I am confident that even in retirement she 
will remain an advocate for families experiencing hunger and her 
community will be better for her involvement.

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