OJAI, Calif.—Nourish America extended its disaster relief to include tornado victims in Alabama and Missouri as well as the flood victims in Mississippi and Louisiana. Nourish America is donating supplied to distribution centers in Birmingham, AL; St. Louis; Tunica, MS; and Chauvin.
The Alabama relief effort began with a partnership of Nourish America, the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) and Senator Linda Coleman of Pratt City, AL. "Soon after the tornado hit and the level of destruction was clear, I received a call from Robin Read, CEO of the NFWL, asking how they could help," Coleman said, “Within a few hours, she reported that supplies were on their way to Birmingham from Nourish America and more to follow. As a result of Nourish America, the McAlpine Park warehouse site was set up initially to receive these donations and as we continued, calls came in from other supporters and friends." To date, 15 tons of food and supplies have been distributed to 7,000 in need.
"We find that working with local legislators during natural disasters is the most effective way to ensure that the victims who are suffering get the nutritional hand-up they need," said Michael Morton, Nourish America's Executive Director. “These elected officials know where the needs are in their communities, how to rally resources and efficiently distribute the high-quality products our donors entrust to us. It's always a pleasure to work with them."
Nourish America partnered with Councilwoman Hazel Erby and Congressman Lacy Clay in its relief effort in St. Louis and with Representative Clara Burnett in Tunica, MS.
Nourish America donors have given water, protein bars, nutritional supplements, energy drinks, baby food, high protein snacks, canned goods and personal care items. Donor include UNFI, Clif Bar Family Foundation, Pharmavite, New Chapter, NurturMe, Alacer Corp., Kay's Naturals, Fresca Foods, Wellesse, Amy's Kitchen and Direct Relief International .
"As a Senator, I cannot express how thankful and appreciative I am for this support and the outpouring of generosity from everyone, for your donations, prayers and well wishes. It has meant so much to so many," said Senator Coleman. "As a disaster volunteer for over 25 years, I am usually on the other end when disaster strikes and it's hard when you are personally affected but I am very thankful to have so many friends who care. It has been a blessing."
Nourish America requests donations of following items:
- Cash Funds
- Bottled Water
- Protein and meal replacement bars
- Protein and meal replacement drinks
- Protein and meal replacement powders
- Energy drinks
- Shelf-stable dairy products
- Shelf-stable prepared foods
- Canned goods
- Ready-to-eat cereal
- Ready-to-eat snacks
- Shelf stable juice
- Shelf stable baby food
- Multivitamins for children, adults and seniors
- Other supportive nutritional supplements
- Cleaning solutions
- Hand sanitation products
- Body and skin care products
- Cleaning solutions
- Hand sanitation products
- Body and skin care products
- Diapers
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Flashlights and batteries
- Tampons and sanitary napkins
