Disaster Response: Second Harvest Food Bank Stands Ready to Aid South Louisiana Families

As Tropical Storm Francine approaches the Gulf Coast, Second Harvest Food Bank is poised to provide essential resources and support to communities across its 23-parish service area. With a proven track record of disaster response, the organization is committed to working alongside local agencies and partners to ensure the needs of South Louisiana families are met in the wake of the storm.

Delivering Hope and Sustenance in Times of Crisis

Preparing for the Storm's Aftermath

Second Harvest Food Bank is proactively mobilizing its resources to respond to the immediate needs of communities impacted by Tropical Storm Francine. The organization has stockpiled water, snacks, and essential supplies, ready for immediate distribution as soon as the storm passes. Additionally, they have hot meals and cleaning supplies on standby, anticipating the potential need for these items in the weeks following the storm's landfall."We stand ready to act the moment we're needed," said Natalie Jayroe, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank. "No matter where Francine makes landfall, we are committed to working alongside the National Guard and parish emergency management to ensure our trucks roll as soon as conditions are safe. South Louisiana families can count on us to be there for them."

A Proven Track Record of Disaster Response

Second Harvest Food Bank has a long history of responding to major disasters in South Louisiana. Over the course of its 40-year history, the organization has been on the ground following more than 20 major events, including hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters. The response to Hurricane Ida in 2021 is a testament to Second Harvest's ability to scale its efforts and provide vital assistance to those in need.During the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, Second Harvest Food Bank:- Delivered 10,976,128 pounds of food- Served 223,424 hot meals- Conducted 3,114 distributions- Served 98 towns and neighborhoods- Mobilized 10,873 volunteers within two months after landfallThis comprehensive and coordinated response demonstrates the organization's unwavering commitment to supporting South Louisiana communities in times of crisis.

Hunger Action Day: A Call to Action

September 10th is recognized as Hunger Action Day, a national day of awareness that calls for action in the mission to end hunger. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address food insecurity and the vital role organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank play in providing nourishment and support to those in need."Hunger Action Day is a powerful reminder that the fight against hunger is a year-round battle," said Jayroe. "While our focus may shift to disaster response in the wake of Tropical Storm Francine, our commitment to ending hunger in South Louisiana remains steadfast. We encourage everyone to get involved and support our efforts to ensure no family is left behind."For the latest information on distribution sites and services, visit no-hunger.org.