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[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.
____________________