The holidays are fast upon us. For the Food Bank, it is the busiest time of the year. We know families are under the added stress of feeding children home from school and the extra expenses of family gatherings. And I don’t need to tell you the coming winter heating bills worry most of us.

Between state and federal budgets and the Farm Bill, we have been working almost two years on improvements in public policy and funded programs, with some successes and some failures. At this date the Farm Bill is still in the Congress. We are already "putting our 2 cents in" on the Governor’s state 2008-2009 budget, which he will announce in February.

This is what the Campaign to End Hunger is all about. We continue to collect and distribute food, more and more each year. But the Campaign is our way of taking the next big step – we have to actually end hunger. And we must do it together: Donate. Volunteer. Speak Out. Your help at this very busy time of year is most appreciated!

From all of us at the Food Bank, and on behalf of those we serve, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Peace-