Gulf Oil Spill
On April 29, Governor Bobby Jindal declared a State of Emergency in response to the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has the potential to affect 14 Louisiana parishes. Although it has not been determined to what extent this will impact the seafood industry and the 47,656 households along the coast of Louisiana that rely on income from commercial fishing, tourism and other support services, the long-term environmental and economic impact this incident will have on local communities may be greater than we can imagine.
Prior to this incident, 17 percent of households in the affected parishes were living below the poverty level. In the past year, parish officials have seen the number of cases for unemployment and SNAP benefits increase each month.
In the near future, we expect to see a rise in unemployment rates in the affected areas along with an increase in demand for our services. We are working in concert with Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Louisiana Department of Social Services and others to ensure that men, women, children and seniors are afforded the meals they need during these trying times.
We are on the ground with our partners providing assistance to residents. Immediate relief to Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes is underway, and we have already provided hundreds of families with emergency food boxes. We are working side by side with community volunteers, agencies and businesses to deliver food to underserved areas along the coastal region and are grateful for the local and national response we have received from donors asking how they can be a part of the solution. We have reached out to the emergency preparedness offices and local faith-based and nonprofit organizations in St. Tammany, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Terrebonne, Lafourche, Orleans and Jefferson Parishes to offer assistance when it is needed.
As part of their commitment to assist in relief efforts,Winn-Dixie made a generous donation of food and water to Second Harvest Food Bank and those affected by the oil spill. On May 7, three truckloads of nutritious food arrived at our warehouse. Zatarain’s has also responded with more than 11,000 pounds of product to assist our efforts. BP America, Inc. has made generous donations to help support our relief efforts. These donations, along with those from other community partners and sponsors will be distributed to member agencies and clients in need.
We are asking that you too consider, now more than ever, joining the fight against hunger and donating to Second Harvest Food Bank. A simple gift of time, food or funds can go a long way and provide the help to those who need it most.
Our thoughts and prayers go to the families and individuals who have been impacted by the recent events. Please know that Second Harvest Food Bank and our member agencies are here, 365 days a year to help you in your time of need.
Read the latest news on recent Gulf Oil Spill relief efforts
Trucks filled with food donations from Winn-Dixie and local vendors arrive at
Second Harvest Food Bank on May 7, 2010.