Preparation is key for pretty much everyone when it comes to hurricane season, and while you are making evacuation plans for you and your family, Second Harvest Food Bank is doing a different type of planning.
This hurricane season is expected to be above average, and now, 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, Second Harvest and volunteers are preparing to jump into action if or when disaster strikes.
Twenty years ago, Terrance Winley, like many of us, was stranded in a flooded city.
“I’ve lived it. I’ve been there where I needed help and help didn’t come,” said Winley.
That help entails food, something many people lacked in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Now, he is doing his part to make sure food is plentiful ahead of any future natural disaster.
“This is giving back; this is helping others,” said Winley.
As we brace for hurricane season, Second Harvest is tackling hurricanes head-on by partnering with Abbott to fill 1,000 disaster boxes that will be on standby.
“Food as well as these disaster boxes to sustain these people until the lights come back on,” said Second Harvest’s chief strategist officer, John Sillars.
Officials with the nonprofit say the catastrophic storm transformed their preparations, but most importantly, emphasized the need for community.
“By having the food here, we’re able to more quickly deploy it,” said Sillars.
Cynthia Jones has been volunteering for many years, knowing that her small gestures will go a long way.
“It’s really important because we want to take a proactive approach to helping the community get ready for a disaster if it occurs,” said Jones.
The boxes could be distributed within hours, and each relief pack can help meet a family’s immediate nutritional needs for three days, a time period Winley called critical.
“Everybody not able to get in a car and get out of here. Some people may be trapped, and it’ll help them out in a long run,” said Winley.
Second Harvest officials said they will go to impacted areas, and the relief pack boxes include nonperishable items, including food, rehydration solutions, and Ensure and Pediasure for adults and children.
READ MORE:Second Harvest prepares disaster boxes ahead of hurricane season
