IFFS provides ongoing assistance to individuals, families and nonprofits across the Triangle, but we also have a responsibility to provide disaster relief to communities affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding and tornadoes. Hurricane Matthew relief will be a long-term commitment as communities rebuild.
Hurricane Matthew left a path of destruction up the Atlantic coast. Damages in N.C. alone could total $1.5 billion and dozens of lives have been lost. Johnston, Nash, and Edgecombe counties are affected in our service area and we are responding with enhanced support to our BackPack Buddies, School Pantry and Mobile Market partner sites.
One of the most devastated areas is in the community of Princeville, a town founded by freed slaves in the 1800s. Working with Mobile Market partner Freedom Hill Community Health Center, over 10,000 pounds of emergency food was distributed to area residents on October 25th, serving over three times the usual number of families. Households need additional food to support family and friends displaced by flooding. Volunteers noted that people attended the Mobile Market in cars laden with belongings salvaged from their damaged homes.
IFFS has delivered additional BackPacks and relief boxes to schools in Nash County. Packed with necessities such as canned goods, peanut butter, toilet paper and paper towels, relief boxes can assist families that are unable to access grocery stores or mobile pantries. The ready-to-eat food can benefit those without refrigeration or cooking appliances. The West Johnston High School Pantry has received two enhanced deliveries already—300 pounds on October 11, and 400 more pounds on the 18th. Emergency supplies included peanut butter, pasta, granola bars & fruit cups, fresh produce and bottled water.
Rebuilding will continue in these communities long after the first responders have moved on. Individuals and families who were getting by before have found themselves pushed closer to the edge. Inter-Faith Food Shuttle will be there for the long haul, providing extra support to our neighbors in need.
Click Here to make a donation to Hurricane Matthew relief.