September 9, 2005
DPHHS Wins Victory Against Hunger Award
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has become one of the first state agencies ever to win a national Victory Against Hunger Award, state and federal officials announced Friday.
Sen. Max Baucus nominated the DPHHS Child and Adult Care Food Program for the award, which is given annually by the Congressional Hunger Center and the Victory Wholesale Grocers. DPHHS was among 32 entities to receive the award out of 84 nominations. Every member of Congress is invited to submit a nomination.
The award program recognizes state and local anti-hunger programs, child-care programs, food banks, and agencies that have demonstrated success and creativity in fighting hunger.
"As a member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee, it was my honor to nominate the Montana Child and Adult Care Food Program," Sen. Baucus said. "The program staff thoroughly embrace their mission to influence healthy lifestyle choices by facilitating program participation and compliance, funding nutritious meals, and providing effective training. They travel roughly 14,000 miles a year reviewing the 200 child care centers and Head Starts, 1,000 family day care homes, and one adult day care center that participate in the program."
About 8 million nutritious meals are served annually through the program, according to Ann Hagen-Buss, program specialist.
In his letter of nomination, Sen. Baucus noted that the state food program had set a goal of establishing the program in 10 new child-care centers by the end of September. Yet by the end of June, they had already added programs at 13 new centers and one after-school snack program.
"Through their efforts, another 550 children a month are now getting nutritious meals and snacks while participating in quality child care," Sen. Baucus said.
Gov. Brian Schweitzer also commended the state agency for its efforts to combat hunger.
"These state employees are dedicated to getting food into the hands of those who might otherwise go without," he said. "I'm proud of their efforts to end hunger in Montana communities, especially among our youngest and most vulnerable residents--our children. It's a commitment I share."
Established in 1993, the Congressional Hunger Center's mission is to fight hunger by developing leaders who have a shared commitment to a nation and world free from hunger. The Victory Wholesale Grocers is a wholesale distributor of dry groceries and health and beauty care products headquartered in Springboro, Ohio, and Boca Raton, Florida.
For more information about the Child and Adult Care Food Program, call program director Camille Randall at 406-444-4086.
Page last updated: 06/15/2006
