Crisis Support

How We Serve

Feeding the Carolinas and its member Food Banks are prepared to assist our friends and neighbors with food and other vital supplies in the event of a natural disaster (or a pandemic). We serve as a “boots on the ground” organization and stand ready with our teams to help before, during, and after a crisis. Acting much like an Air Traffic Controller, we direct people and resources where they’re needed.

Serving in this role allows our member Food Banks to focus directly on feeding those in need.

Learn more about how to prepare, respond, and recover from a disaster.

Learn More

What We Do In a Crisis

Coordination and Logistics

When a disaster hits North or South Carolina, typically the state will activate its Emergency Management Division and our team physically goes on-site to assist with the coordination and logistics of donated products, services, and funds. We work with organizations like Baptists on Mission, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army to coordinate volunteers and relief efforts.

Advocacy and Promotion

One of our biggest roles is being a spokesperson and voice for the ten major food banks in the Carolinas so they can continue to focus on feeding those in crisis. Our team works with the media to inform the public and we activate our social media channels to disseminate up-to-date information about how to give or receive help.

Resource Procurement

We work with major donors and suppliers to solicit financial and in-kind support which is then distributed out to the food banks that serve those in crisis-impacted areas. We are able to leverage our vast network of partners to secure critical resources at low or no cost.

Prepare Well For a Crisis

No one can prevent a natural disaster from occurring. However, we can do our part to prepare for them.

 

  • Face coverings / masks
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sanitizing wipes
  • Water (one gallon per person per day for three to seven days)
  • Food (non-perishable and canned food supply for three to seven days)
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio (with extra batteries)
  • Cell phone (with charger)
  • First aid kit and first aid book
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off water
  • Blanket or sleeping bag (one per person)
  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Soap
  • Feminine supplies
  • Extra set of house keys and car keys
  • Important documents (insurance policies, copy of driver’s license, Social Security card, bank account records)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Cash and change
  • Books, games or cards

Think about how you will talk with your family after an emergency. Plan for different ways to easily get connected with family members. For example, filling out contact cards for each family member to travel with. Make sure your school(s) and workplace(s) have access to your plan. Get more ideas here.

Similar to the Emergency Preparedness Kit, this would be what you would take with you “on the go” – important documents, communications devices, prescriptions, toiletries, a change of clothes, etc. Your to-go kit is something you would prepare as you monitor conditions and as the potential for evacuation increases.

There will often be a run on gasoline, or pumps may be without power so make sure your vehicles are full prior to a crisis. Access to ATMs or banks may be limited, so having cash on hand is also important.

Add any local news apps to your mobile device. Check your state emergency management to see if they have an app as well. Ensure your weather app is downloaded and up-to-date. Have a battery-powered radio on hand, and keep your TV on a local station for new announcements and warnings.

Having photo identification handy is important for many reasons. It will allow you to get back into your neighborhood should authorities be blocking access for outsiders. You’ll need I.D. for any medical needs or other emergency needs, as well as for banking or other activities.

Consider taping windows or covering them with plywood. Remove or store outdoor furniture, trash cans and other items that may be tossed about by wind. If excess water happens to be an issue with your basement, consider sandbagging around entry points.