[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 199 (Tuesday, November 24, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      GIVING THANKS FOR FOOD BANKS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 24, 2020

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Madam Speaker, I rise today, like so many of my 
colleagues this week, to give thanks.
  As winter approaches, coronavirus cases are skyrocketing. Hospitals 
are at or near capacity, and more than 250,000 Americans have died. 
Thanksgiving this year looks different; it's smaller or even virtual, 
as folks heed public health guidance to stay home and prevent the 
spread.
  In the midst of this pandemic, families across the country and across 
Michigan are hurting--and to meet their needs, our local organizations 
are stepping up. Today, I rise to honor and express gratitude for the 
invaluable service these organizations provide to our community.
  In Ingham County, the Holt Community Food Bank has been giving back 
for more than 20 years. What began as a repository of a few bags of 
non-perishable food ``just in case'' someone needed help has grown into 
an operation that serves more than 150 families each month.
  In Livingston County, Torch 180 purchased the old Fowlerville library 
in order to turn it into Michigan's first restaurant and coffee shop 
staffed entirely by adults with disabilities. When COVID hit, they 
quickly shifted gears--using the space to serve meals and distribute 
groceries to anyone in need.
  When a woman on Supplemental Security Income called my office in a 
panic because she hadn't received her stimulus check, Torch 180 brought 
her a week's worth of groceries. They made sure she was okay, and then 
came back to the motel where she was staying to provide meals for other 
residents as well.
  And in Oakland County, the Rochester Area Neighborhood House offers 
wrap-around services for those who are struggling with housing, 
transportation, employment and more. Its food pantry has given out more 
than 125,000 meals to area residents since the pandemic started and it 
shows no signs of stopping.
  These are just a few of the unsung heroes in our district, exhibiting 
extraordinary kindness and dedication to supporting their fellow 
Americans in a time of great need.
  To the individuals who work tirelessly every day to serve others, may 
you know that this Thanksgiving, a grateful nation is thinking of you.

                          ____________________