Local Food Bank Sends Bottled Water to Flood-Ravaged Region

VALDOSTA — Second Harvest of South Georgia stepped up to help provide disaster relief to the people of South Carolina today.  The regional food bank shipped 2 semi-truckloads of bottled water – more than 25,000 liters – to Harvest Hope Food Bank, a fellow member of the Feeding America network.  The national food bank network is playing a crucial role in emergency assistance for South Carolinians affected by the flooding in the wake of the recent hurricane.

Food banks play an important role in disaster relief and recovery across the nation.  Second Harvest of South Georgia is positioned strategically to be able to lend a hand for both the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, as well as places inland.  The food bank works with both the Federal Emergency Management Administration and the Georgia agency as well.  It keeps disaster supplies on hand at all times including MRE kits (meals ready to eat), blankets, bleach, and water.  Second Harvest itself has participated in national relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, as well as locally after floods and tornadoes.

“Most people don’t think of Second Harvest when they think of this sort of relief work, but our trucks can be mobilized within a matter of hours,” said Second Harvest’s Eliza McCall. “We are proud to be able to do our part to help those hurting in South Carolina.”

“Harvest Hope Food Bank is humbled by the support of our sister food banks like Second Harvest of South Georgia,” said Ash Little, Marketing Manager for Harvest Hope Food Bank. “Donations like this from the Feeding America network make a tremendous difference for folks affected by this disaster.”

Little said that Harvest Hope expects the need for emergency food assistance to continue as flood water recede and people across South Carolina begin to recover from the devastation.

Second Harvest of South Georgia, the state’s largest rural food bank, serves a 30 county area and has branches in Thomasville, Albany, Douglas, and Valdosta.  The food bank distributed more than 14.6 million meals (equivalent) in the last 12 months through its variety of programs and its network of more than 425 partner agencies.  In addition to its disaster relief program the food bank operates Kids Cafe after-school feeding program, Farm to Family, Mobile Food Pantry, Teachers Harvest free school supply store, and more.  For more information or to make a donation to support Second Harvest of South Georgia’s work, visit www.FeedingSGA.org<http://www.FeedingSGA.org.