Operation Brown Bag nets ton of food for AFRC Published Dec. 4, 2006 By Jennifer Brugman 60th AMW Public Affairs TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Chaplain Assistants, with the help of Travis parishioners, donated more than a ton of food to the Food Pantry at the Airman and Family Readiness Center Wednesday as part of Operation Brown Bag. "There were many groups doing food drives in the area," said Tech. Sgt. Esmeralda Aharon, chaplain assistant. "We wanted to help our own. We wanted to ensure that the Travis families who did need assistance would have that opportunity. We're ensuring those who will need it these coming weeks will have it available." Two weeks ago, the chaplain assistants stapled the list of items needed at the Food Pantry to brown bags and the bags were distributed during the worship services at the chapels. Parishioners picked up the bags and filled them, then returned the bags to the chapels. Travis parishioners donated approximately 2,200 pounds of food to the AFRC. The Food Pantry at the AFRC is available to anyone who finds themselves in a tight spot. The chaplain assistants plan to reinstate the program during Easter this coming year. The pantry receives 3,000 pounds of donated food each year. This food is then distributed to families in need on base. "No matter what the reason, no one at Travis is going to go without food," said Mr. Mustak Keval, Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. Most of the people who use the food pantry are just looking for something to tide them over while they pay an unexpected bill. The Food Pantry has rows and rows of non-perishable food items available free of charge to anyone who is authorized to use the Airman and Family Readiness Center's services. For more information on the Food Pantry, call the AFRC at 424-2486.