Food Banks Respond to Catastrophic Midwest Flooding

America’s Second Harvest food banks throughout three states help with relief efforts

In response to severe flooding that has displaced thousands of Iowa, Indiana and Wisconsin residents, the America’s Second Harvest network of food banks has mobilized to deliver needed resources to the affected communities.

The threat of flooding caused the Northeast Iowa Food Bank to cease normal operations and relocate product. The Food Bank will resume operations from their location on Monday, June 16. As the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, America’s Second Harvest prepares throughout the year for disasters of all types. As soon has flooding was predicted, members mobilized quickly to provide food directly to families and other disaster relief organizations active in the area.

On Wednesday, food bank staff members from the Greater Chicago Food Depository, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, and the America’s Second Harvest national office were dispatched to Iowa disaster locations to assist with on-site efforts.

“Our Food Bank’s role is to assist, through the Emergency Management office and other organizations, with product when it is needed,” said Barb Prather, executive director of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. “We are providing snacks and food to areas affected, and will support the ongoing relief work in Northeast Iowa in the coming months.”

“Disasters put yet another strain on working families who face hunger issues every day,” said Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of America’s Second Harvest. “Thanks to the immediate efforts of our Midwest food banks, local residents will have emergency food and supplies to help make it through these difficult days.”

At this time, the America’s Second Harvest expects disaster relief expenses to be $150,000. However, that estimate is expected to rise as full damage assessment continues throughout the region. Individuals interested in making a donation to the disaster relief effort can do so by visiting www.secondharvest.org or contacting any of the food banks currently assisting with disaster relief efforts.