By Jennifer Caslin, Communications Supervisor
You may remember that the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina received a grant last summer from the Allstate Foundation (through Feeding America), to develop a joint disaster plan with the Food Bank of the Albemarle. (You can check out that blog post here.)
The point of the joint plan was to ensure the entire coast of North Carolina is covered most effectively should a disaster occur. The process included evaluating available resources, identifying continued needs, and formulating new action steps that would fortify our efforts in our own communities and across the eastern region. Our staff, along with the staff of the Food Bank of the Albemarle, participated in several disaster relief trainings including mock disaster situations.
Today that plan was spurred into action due to the projected path of Tropical Storm Hermine. Heavy rain and high winds are expected in the Greenville, New Bern, and Wilmington areas as well as several of the counties served by the Food Bank of the Albemarle.
Our disaster relief team had a joint call with the Food Bank of the Albemarle this morning, in order to assess possible effects of the storm and to ensure needed preparations have been made. The team then looped in the Greenville, New Bern and Wilmington Branches to ensure supplies are in place, partner agencies have been contacted, and safety measures are in place.
Though we hope Tropical Storm Hermine is a non-event, the two food banks are ready to respond if disaster strikes in our communities.
Follow @FoodBankCENC on Twitter for status updates.
