WASHINGTON, D.C. - In honor of a Day of Service and Remembrance, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director John Berry and The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Secretary Hilda Solis joined together at the Capital Area Food Bank, located in Northeast Washington, D.C., to sort, package, and distribute donated food to needy families, seniors, and children across the Washington-metropolitan area in celebration of a Day of Service and Remembrance.

"In this time when we remember our fallen colleagues - the federal employees who died on September 11 - we have found a way to honor their sacrifice by volunteering our efforts to help others," said OPM Director John Berry. "Many people do not realize that thousands of federal employees have lost their lives while serving their country."

The National Day of Service and Remembrance, which began last year, is a day where all Americans can honor the brave men and women who lost and risked their lives by serving others in the community. Since June 7, 2010, federal agencies have also been participating in a nationwide food drive called Feds Feed Families. Some of the food donated during this drive was distributed today at the Capital Area Food Bank.

"Many thanks to our federal employees from coast-to-coast for contributing to the Feds Feed Families 2010 food drive," said The First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama.  "As we commemorate the heroism of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, we remember their spirit of sacrifice by engaging in service and volunteerism throughout our communities.  Through service, we honor the sacrifices that were made that day as well as the sacrifices that continue to be made by members of our armed forces and their civilian counterparts and their families from around the world. This food drive is a perfect example of the generosity of Federal employees.  You all joined together as one and helped those less fortunate than you and for that we thank you."

"One local food bank has helped feed over 400,000 individuals in the past year alone thanks to these efforts, and has allowed families to not have to make the tough choice between affording groceries, paying utility bills, or taking their child to the doctor," said Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-MD).

As the agencies come close to the end of the Feds Feed Families campaign, federal employees are confident they will exceed the goal of collecting 1.2 million pounds of food.

"I want to personally thank each Chief Human Capital Officer and Deputy for the leadership and service to country that you have shown during this year's Feds Feed Families food drive," said Director Berry. "Thanks to you, we have met, and will exceed our goal of collecting 1.2 million pounds of non-perishable goods for children and families in need."

The U.S. House of Representatives joined the food drive in August, collecting donations in Longworth, Cannon, and Rayburn House Office Buildings.

"I appreciate all the federal employees and their families who participated in this food drive," said Congressman Frank Wolf (R-VA).  "These 1.2 million pounds of donated foods will help restock the shelves of our nation's food banks. I am also pleased that the U.S. House is still collecting donations for the food drive that will further put us over our goal."

In addition to Feds Feed Families, another example of the generosity of federal employees is the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC).

"As Feds Feed Families draws to a close, we are opening a new chapter on the world's most successful workplace giving program," said Director Berry. "The CFC has collected $6 billion in the past 30 years and it was created by federal employees to help their neighbors. We can never do enough to honor the sacrifice of federal employees and we salute them with service to our country and to our communities."