[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 69 (Thursday, April 24, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E335-E336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING BARBARA SPRAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 24, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Ms. Barbara Sprague has made to our community 
through her work with the Community Food Bank, leading the charge in 
our fight against food insecurity. Since Barbara joined the 
organization, her leadership, tenacity, and compassion for those in 
need have led the Community Food Bank to grow from supplying 1-2 
million meals each year to over 5 million nutritious meals and critical 
supplies to fill the meal gap and basic needs for over 70,000 of our 
neighbors in need. She has taught the entire team to ``BELIEVE that 
they will end hunger because they are BETTER TOGETHER!'' With Barbara's 
continued vision and drive to end hunger, the Community Food Bank is 
embarking on an expansion that will not only double its impact capacity 
but will add a tremendous outreach opportunity for all service 
organizations and providers to meet our most at-risk clients right 
where they are with their programs and critical support as we work 
together to dismantle the pillars of poverty.
  The RISE Empowerment Center and Food Bank targets the specific needs 
of residents with the collaborative power of our most effective 
resources. Barbara's vision, outstanding leadership, and unyielding 
drive to make a true difference not only make her a hero in her 
organization's mission, but she is also a community treasure.
  It is clear that Barbara Sprague has made a profoundly positive 
impact on our community, and I am grateful for her service. May we

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all strive to serve our communities with the same dedication and 
humility.

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