Federal food drive under way through August 22 Published July 24, 2013 By Mike W. Ray Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker and the Department of Defense are participating in the fifth annual "Feds Feed Families" food drive sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Donations from Tinker military and civilian personnel will be donated to the Bread of Life Food Pantry in Del City, according to Capt. Sylvia K. Valverde of the 72nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, coordinator of the base campaign. Only non-perishable items will be accepted, "and there is a strong need for peanut butter," Captain Valverde said. Several collections sites have been established across the base, at different squadrons and different units, she said. In addition, common collection points include the commissary, Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center, the Bldg. 3705 Fitness Center, the 216 Fitness Center, and at the entrance to the 72nd Medical Group clinic, Bldg. 1094. Donated food items will be collected and weighed on July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22, Captain Valverde said. The weights will be nationally reported on July 31 and Aug. 28, she added. Approximately 29 points-of-contact have enlisted to help with the campaign, and Staff Sgt. Vinson Ponto of the 72nd Operations Squadron is the base alternate POC for the program, Captain Valverde said. Feds Feed Families is a voluntary effort undertaken by federal employees nationwide who collect and donate food and non-perishable items "for those in need," said Thomas J. Vilsack, the U.S.D.A. Secretary. More than seven million pounds of food were collected in last year's campaign, including 2.1 million pounds from the Defense Department, records reflect.