Disaster Relief

The Challenge of Disaster Relief

When disaster strikes, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana is prepared to respond with food assistance and emergency supplies.

It is the goal of the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to act as a conduit for donated food and other essential grocery items for the purpose of disaster relief. This will be done with the support of Feeding America and in coordination with other relief organizations. In times of national disaster, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana may be a collection point for local donations.

The Food Bank of Central Louisiana will be responsible for solicitation, handling, storage and distribution of products to an established network of more than 85 agencies in Central Louisiana. In addition, distribution will extend to state, city, military, American Red Cross, and other VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) sites, as necessary, during an emergency. The extent of service the Food Bank provides will vary in accordance with the scope of the disaster and availability for resources.

Whether the emergencies are on an individual level such as the loss of a job, or for larger disasters as seen with Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Food Bank of Central Louisiana and their partner agencies provide direct food assistance to the most vulnerable.

A disaster is defined as an occurrence such as a terrorism attack, hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, winddriven water, tidal wave, earthquake, drought, blizzard, pestilence, fire, famine or other natural situation that causes human suffering or creates human needs that the victims cannot alleviate without assistance.