[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 87 (Friday, May 8, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING IOWA'S VOLUNTEERS AS IOWANS OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 8, 2020

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of 
Representatives to join me in recognizing the Iowans making a 
difference during National Volunteer Week by helping local families 
keep food on the table during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The 
efforts of each individual working to support our most vulnerable 
populations are commendable, and for that I am naming these volunteers 
Iowan of the Week.
  National Volunteer Week, observed April 19-25 this year, provides an 
opportunity to reflect on the importance of giving back to our 
communities. Volunteerism, even in its simplest forms, has the power to 
be transformative; this is something Iowans know to be true. Our values 
of hard work, selflessness, and contributing to build a stronger 
community are reflected in the way Iowans lead their daily lives. While 
we may shine a light on volunteerism this week, Iowans engage in giving 
back year-round.
  As communities across my district face the devasting impacts of 
COVID-19, we've seen a significant rise in the number of individuals 
turning to food banks for support. In the past few weeks, the pandemic 
has caused an historic leap in unemployment. Families' budgets have 
become more strained and those who were already food-insecure have been 
pushed to their limits. And while schools remain closed, we've faced 
growing concerns for children who rely on their school meals for their 
daily nutritional needs.
  In the last two weeks of March alone, the DMARC Food Pantry Network 
saw more than 1,000 people make their first-ever visit to the pantry. 
That is quadruple the number of first-time users DMARC recorded during 
the first half of March.
  Amidst those sobering statistics, we've also seen men and women step 
up in droves to lend their time, talent, and resources to keep others 
from going hungry. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the 
workers and volunteers at food banks and school meal distribution sites 
in central and southwest Iowa.
  Time and again in recent weeks, I've seen Iowans take action to make 
sure their neighbors have safe access to essential nutrition. 
Volunteers are not only donating food at increased rates, but are also 
putting on masks and gloves and showing up at their local food banks to 
assemble thousands of meals for delivery to those who need support or 
can't risk leaving their homes. Food Bank of Iowa had 570 volunteers 
dedicate just shy of 3,000 hours last month even with the new 
restrictions on how many volunteers can be in the facilities at one 
time.
  Volunteers have donated hundreds of masks to be used by drivers and 
others working in the pantries. One group of 15 volunteers turned 3,000 
tee shirts into totes that Food Bank of Iowa now uses to distribute 
food. And the organization's BackPack sacks and bags that are 
distributed to children across its service area have been filled with 
inspirational cards made by families at home.
  Our schools have also worked tirelessly to continue to provide meals 
for their students now learning at home. Des Moines Public Schools, the 
largest school district in Iowa, has successfully banded together 
district employees and dedicated volunteers to distribute 18,000 meals 
Monday through Thursday, plus 54,000 meals on Fridays, to ensure its 
students aren't trying to learn on an empty stomach.
  I stand before you today humbled, yet again, at the perseverance of 
my constituents in Iowa's Third District in the face of this pandemic. 
Iowans have continued to rise to the occasion and support those in 
need, even at the risk of their own health. I started Iowan of the Week 
knowing we would never face a shortage of incredible people to 
highlight, and this pandemic has brought out even more everyday heroes 
who deserve recognition. It is my privilege to honor the workers and 
volunteers of Iowa's food banks and school meal distribution sites as 
Iowans of the Week.

                          ____________________