Disaster Response

Second Harvest Food Bank Ready to Respond in Parishes Bracing for Possible Flooding

As the swelling waters of the Mississippi River and the opening of the Morganza Floodway have communities bracing for the possibility of flooding, Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana is readying for the potential need for emergency food assistance and cleaning supplies.

 

“It’s our job to respond to the everyday disaster of hunger and the extraordinary events that create even greater hardship for families in the communities we serve,” said Natalie Jayroe,President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. “With a long history of emergency response experience and a strong network of partner agencies in local communities throughout south Louisiana, we are ready to respond as needed.”

 

In the event of an emergency or disaster, Second Harvest Food Bank will distribute food, water and supplies to partner agencies from its two warehouses: 700 Edwards Avenue in the New Orleans area; and 215 E. Pinhook in Lafayette. Together, the two facilities serve 23 parishes along the Louisiana Gulf Coast -- from the Mississippi border to the Texas state line.

 

Currently, Second Harvest Food Bank is:

 Working with Feeding America to secure truckloads of water and increase its inventory of non-perishable food items and cleaning supplies,
 Initiating outreach efforts to encourage citizens to pre-apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (DSNAP), formerly called Disaster Food Stamps, in advance of the possible flooding and hurricane season,
 Communicating and planning its outreach with its partner agencies on the front lines of response in the affected communities,
 Connecting with the state and parish leaders and emergency management officials to create awareness about Second Harvest partner agencies who will assist with the food bank’s emergency response efforts, and
 Preparing to deploy Mobile Food Pantries to supplement the work of partner agencies in affected communities in need of assistance.

 

“Ultimately, the strength of our response depends on the tremendous support we receive from individuals, corporations and foundations throughout south Louisiana,” added Jayroe.
“Donations of time, food and funds are critical to our emergency response efforts.”

 

HOW TO HELP

• Volunteers are needed to sort donated food, assemble emergency food boxes and assist with food and water distribution in the affected areas. In the Greater New Orleans area, call 504.729.2849 or email volunteernow@secondharvest.org.  In Lafayette, call 337.237.7711.
• Donated non-perishable food items are also needed including: canned fruits and vegetables, tuna, soups, stews, chili, beans, rice, pasta, cereals, juices and shelf stable milk among other items. Food donations may be made at either of the Second Harvest Food Bank warehouses (located at 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123 in the Elmwood area, or 215 E. Pinhook, Lafayette, LA 70501) or at any Rouses Supermarket.
• To make a donation securely online click here or call 504.729.6332.  Donations by mail should be sent to: Second Harvest Food Bank, 700 Edwards Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70123.

 “Throughout the last six years, south Louisiana has faced numerous challenges. By working collaboratively with state and federal government and other for profits and not for profits, we have emerged stronger and more united as a community and people,” said Jayroe. “We will face this new challenge with the same resolve and determination to ensure that every person affected by this crisis receives the food assistance they need.”

 

To learn more about Second Harvest Food Bank’s disaster response efforts, volunteer opportunities, or how to make a donation of food or funds call 504.734.1322 (southeast Louisiana) or 337.237.7711 (southwest Louisiana), or visit www.no-hunger.org.

 

 

Second Harvest Food Bank Responds with Support to Food Banks on the Front Lines of Tornado Damage

Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, a member of the Feeding America network of food banks, is lending support to food banks on the front lines of the disaster response efforts due to the recent devastating tornados that crossed the southeastern states.

 

Second Harvest Food Bank has already sent two truckloads of water with 10 additional trucks scheduled to leave this week headed to some of the hardest hit areas including Raleigh, North Carolina, and Northport and Huntsville, Alabama. In addition to truckloads of water, Second Harvest will also provide 2,064 cases of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and nearly
28,000 meals in family disaster boxes. As the need continuous to change quickly, Second Harvest is prepared to assist with additional emergency food resources.

 

“Disaster response efforts demonstrate the magnificent ability of Feeding America food banks to mobilize and respond quickly, massively and supportively to any community in the U.S. in crisis,” said Natalie Jayroe, president and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana. “It was through the amazing spirit, generosity and
commitment of many talented people from food banks nationwide that Second Harvest Food Bank was able to respond quickly to the tragedy, loss and need created by the devastating storms of 2005.”

 

The family disaster boxes, scheduled for delivery later this week, were packed by 200 volunteers and staged at Second Harvest Food Bank in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The disaster food box packing event was held in partnership with Feeding America in August 2010 as a way to give back and reflect on the devastating storms of 2005 that left thousands in need of emergency food assistance across south Louisiana and beyond.

 

“It is not only an obligation, but a great honor to be able to give back to some of the same food banks that helped Second Harvest and south Louisiana when we were in need,” added Jayroe. “In the event that we might need disaster assistance in the months ahead, we know that there will be emergency food boxes, water, supplies, and technical and staff support available through the Feeding America network to fulfill our critical role in disaster response.”

 

Network-wide, 11 states are receiving help from the Feeding America network to recover from the recent disasters. As of this past weekend, FEMA reports 238 confirmed fatalities, 2,064 injuries and 21 missing persons. Fortunately none of the food bank facilities in the affected areas suffered damage from the storms, although one is currently operating without power.

 

For more information on the response efforts or to make a financial donation please visit, The Alabama Food Bank Association, www.alfoodbanks.org or Feeding America, www.feedingamerica.org.