GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER APPLAUDS 2006 STATE EMPLOYEES FOOD DRIVE

Employees looking to top one-million pounds of food this season

SACRAMENTO – Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is applauding the commitment of California state employees participating in the 2006 holiday food drive, which kicked off today in downtown Sacramento.

"Maria and I applaud the generosity and dedication of state employees who are demonstrating what the holidays are all about with the 2006 food drive,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Our communities benefit through healthier families and children eating better because of the contributions of the many caring state employees, businesses and individuals who donate food, time and cash to California Emergency Foodlink and the Sacramento Food Bank. Your generosity is much appreciated."

In 2005, through donations of food and cash, the food drive generated 950,000 pounds of food. The goal this year is to surpass that and, in fact, move past the one-million mark.

“There is nothing more fundamentally important than giving people enough to eat,” said CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura. “For children, this food can make the difference in ensuring they receive the proper nutrition, which is one of the best investments in their futures we can make.”

Ninety state departments and agencies, representing 65,000 employees, participated in the food drive last year.   

For more information on donating to the food drive, please visit www.fooddrive.ca.gov or www.foodlink.org.