Florida Food Banks Operating Despite Damage

America's Second Harvest Network of Food Banks Feeds Recovery Efforts

CHICAGO --- September 9, 2004 --- As Florida braces for a the potential, threatening onslaught of Hurricane Ivan, eight Florida food banks in the America's Second Harvest Network are working to make sure that food, water and other grocery products are available once the rains and wind diminish.  After last week's massive drenching, Florida's Food Banks have sustained only minor damage.  Even after the two storms, all are up and running – providing food and water to emergency shelters, food pantries, and soup kitchens set up to ease the burden on those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.  With plenty of time left in the annual hurricane season, Floridians are rightly concerned that more storms might be on the way.

In the past two weeks, more than 70 truckloads of food and grocery supplies – 2.2 million pounds – have been shipped to hurricane stricken areas of Florida.  In the coming weeks, the Florida Association of Food Banks estimates that another 100-150 truckloads of product will be needed in communities across the state.  The costs of moving this much product is significant -- $1,500 pays shipping for one 42,000-pound truckload of desperately needed food.  The short-term costs of dealing with the immediate aftermath of Hurricanes Charley and Frances could be as high as $500,000.

In order to respond effectively to the devastation faced in Florida and across the southeastern states, the America's Second Harvest network of food banks not only relies upon the collaboration of other non-profit organizations, but also upon the generosity of corporations as well.   Among those companies offering significant assistance are ConAgra Foods, donating more than 525,000 pounds of needed food including ready-to-eat meals and snacks and contributed $30,000 to aid our efforts.  Florida-based Office Depot has donated $100,000. Additional contributions have come in from Kellogg's, Procter & Gamble (etc.) and private individuals.

"Local support of food banks is critical," said Andy Nash, President of the Florida Association of Food Banks.  "We urge the public, especially those in Florida right now, to support their local food bank with a cash donation.  It's the most efficient way to show your support as we can stretch the value of that donation to help many more people."

Cash donations rather than unsolicited donated goods avoid the complicated, costly and time-consuming process of collecting, sorting, packing, transporting, unloading, resorting, storing, repackaging, and distributing the goods.  To find your local America's Second Harvest food bank by using the state and ZIP code locator at www.secondharvest.org.  Visitors can also make a donation to help the America's Second Harvest Network respond to these and other disasters by making a donation at www.secondharvest.org/disaster.

A longer-term challenge facing America's Second Harvest network is the economic dislocation affecting the millions of low-income and working class Floridians who will not be able to recoup all of their losses.  Jobs that have disappeared because businesses are closed, homes that were destroyed by high winds and floods, health problems created or exacerbated by mandatory evacuations.  Each loss will require hard-pressed families to dip into income or savings that just doesn't meet their needs.  Over the coming months, America's Second Harvest will be providing food and grocery products to alleviate the unexpected family budget crises.

To sustain our support in the coming months, America's Second Harvest and the Florida Association of Food Banks will continue to seek financial support.  Those wanting to help the victims of this season's hurricanes can find their local food bank at www.secondharvest.org or by calling 1-800-771-2303.
 
For additional information contact:
Susan Hofer, America's Second Harvest - 312.263.2303 ext. 127 shofer@secondharvest.org
Andy Nash, President, Florida Food Bank Association – 904.353.3663 x222 anash@lssjax.org

On the Web – the America's Second Harvest Florida Food Banks

All Faiths Food Bank
Sarasota, Fla.
www.allfaithsfoodbank.org

America's Second Harvest of Tampa Bay
Tampa, Fla.
http://www.divineprovidencefoodbank.org/

America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, Inc.
Tallahassee, Fla.
www.fightinghunger.org

Bay Area Food Bank
Theodore, Ala.
www.bayareafoodbank.org

Daily Bread Food Bank
Miami, Fla.
www.dailybread.org

Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
Ft. Myers, Fla.
www.harrychapinfoodbank.org

LSS Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Florida
Jacksonville, Fla.
http://www.lssjax.org/aboutthefoodbank.html

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida
Orlando, Fla.
www.foodbankcentralflorida.org