Social K

Hurricanes. Wildfires. Earthquakes. At Feeding America, we’ve just experienced by far the busiest hurricane season in the 12 years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast.

We’ve come through a significant string of natural disasters in the past few months. In my role as Director of Disaster Services for Feeding America, I support disaster relief efforts following a crisis as well as the long-term recovery efforts through our national network of food banks and meal programs. In my 20+ year career in disaster relief services, the events of this past year have been unprecedented.

Food banks are particularly important in times of disaster. They already know the local challenges of food access, storage and distribution. During times of crisis, food bank staff activate their relationships with the leaders at their township and city levels to provide swift, thoughtful and culturally nuanced service. During this recent succession of natural disasters, I worked with our regional food banks to leverage ongoing programs, such as meals for seniors and children’s hunger relief programs; we also pulled together the legions of volunteers who knew how to safely receive and distribute food.

It goes without says that we rely heavily on our donors for disaster and crisis relief.  When a crisis hits, I know that we can count on Kellogg Company to mobilize swiftly and to deliver quick and efficient donations that are appropriate for our needs in the early stages of disaster. In recent weeks, Kellogg has provided over 122 truckloads of food – more than 40 million servings – to be distributed to victims of natural disasters. Kellogg Company Fund also provided a $100,000 donation for Feeding America’s disaster relief efforts as well as $20,000 to the Puerto Rico Food Bank. This quick response helped us organize our donations, and allowed time for other donors to step up. Kellogg is truly one of our first responders.

This is why the Kellogg team was recently recognized by one of our member food banks – the Food Bank of South Central Michigan – with their Bob Randels “Be The Change” award. Named for the food bank’s founder, this award recognizes those that inspire change and action in their community. Whether its responding to ongoing local community needs or assisting during times of crisis, Kellogg is there.

Feeding America receives phenomenal support ranging from incremental donations, immediate crisis responses and long-term recovery provisions. It’s all thanks to support from companies like Kellogg as well as individual donors that we can continue serving people and fighting hunger. To learn how you can donate to Feeding America or find your local food bank to be the change in your own community, visit www.feedingamerica.org.