MADISON, Wis. — In response to the recent tornado that devastated communities in Wisconsin’s Fox Valley, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is supporting fellow food bank Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s efforts to provide emergency food assistance to families facing an unexpected crisis.
Second Harvest prepared and shipped two truckloads containing more than 63,000 pounds of nutritious shelf-stable food—enough to provide the equivalent of more than 52,000 meals to neighbors as they begin the difficult process of recovery.
In addition to 22 pallets of bulk shelf-stable food, 25 Second Harvest volunteers gathered today at the food bank’s Madison facility to pack more than 500 family food kits, each containing family-friendly foods that can provide immediate nourishment to households displaced or impacted by the storm.
“I feel for the families impacted by the tornado,” said Michelle Orge, President and Executive Director of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin. “There’s no way for them to have predicted that they would need assistance. But thanks to the leadership of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, we’re going to do everything we can to help them get through this trying time.”
The response highlights the strength of the statewide and national hunger-relief network that allows food banks to mobilize quickly when disasters strike. While Second Harvest serves southwestern Wisconsin, supporting neighboring food banks during times of crisis is a critical part of its mission.
“Partnerships are at the forefront of what we do,” Orge said. “Those include local partnerships as well as statewide and national partnerships. For us to be a strong food bank, we need to be part of a strong network. If there were a disaster in our area, we would be getting help from other food banks. That’s what being part of a network is all about.”
By working together, Wisconsin’s food banks can rapidly assist communities that need them most, ensuring families have access to nutritious food even in the aftermath of an unexpected disaster.
Community members who would like to support ongoing tornado recovery efforts are encouraged to make a gift to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Tornado Relief Fund at feedingamericawi.org. Every donation helps provide food and critical assistance to families as they rebuild their lives.
