When Disaster Strikes, Food Banks Respond
Every community in the country is at risk of natural disaster. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes occur with increasing frequency and severity. Together, natural disasters cost the United States a significant amount in damages each year and leave affected Americans without basic necessities like food and water.

Just this summer, in the wake of significant flooding in Eastern Kentucky, God’s Pantry Food Bank, a member of Feeding America, was significantly involved disaster response. The food bank was able to supply affected families in Breathitt, Pike, Floyd and Magoffin counties with food, water and other items necessary for clean up.

“We saw that food, water, and grocery products are often in extremely high demand—and in short supply—in the event of a disaster. Our job is to lend the community a helping hand in these critical times of need,” said Marian Guinn, Chief Executive Officer of God’s Pantry Food Bank.

In addition to help with the recent flooding, God’s Pantry Food Bank was on hand to provide food to families in need after the widespread damage caused by a significant ice storm in late January.

Thousands of households went without electricity, some for several weeks. The food bank was able to supply extra food to pantries, kitchens and shelters to help those affected replenish their already unstable food supply.

The Feeding America network has enhanced its disaster response services over the last 20 years, hosting disaster preparedness trainings, implementing guidelines for food banks in the event of a disaster, and teaming up with organizations like the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, and others to better reach people in need.

“The Feeding America network is unique in that it is able to transport and distribute large quantities of necessary supplies anywhere in the country on very short notice,” said Patrick Crawford, Director of Disaster Services at Feeding America. While being engaged with the food bank is important during disaster times, help is needed every day for those families living on the brink of hunger.

“Many people take notice of those less fortunate during times of natural disaster,” Guinn said. “But through our work in hunger relief, we know that the families we serve are dealing every day with disaster in their lives – either the loss of a job, paying for medicine or food or simply figuring out how to put food on the table for their families when the money isn’t there to go shopping. For some people, disasters seem to crop up every day.”

The good news is that it is easy to be involved in the fight against hunger if you can give your time, money or voice. You can donate to God’s Pantry Food Bank by clicking on the GIVE tab at the top of this page. Volunteer opportunities are available for almost all age groups – see the VOLUNTEER tab for more information. Last, but not least, you can make your voice heard with your elected officials by supporting legislation that helps put food in the hands of hungry Kentuckians.

$53 for Charity

Fifth Third Bank announces a new program to benefit non-profit organizations. Beginning the week of April 27th, Fifth Third Bank will donate $53 to approved non-profit organizations when a customer specifies their charity of choice and opens a Fifth Third Checking or Savings Account. Any Fifth Third checking or savings account will make one eligible to take part. However, it must be new money on deposit with Fifth Third Bank Central Kentucky. This campaign will run through July 30, 2009. So if you are considering a banking change to Fifth Third please consider directing this donation to God’s Pantry Food Bank.
Please contact Brant Welch, Fifth Third Marketing or download and complete the attached $53 donation form and take it to any Fifth Third Bank location application form.

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