Foodbank of Santa Barbara Sends 17,000 Pounds of Rice to Aid Wildfire-Stricken Maui
In a show of solidarity and support, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is sending a generous shipment of 17,000 pounds of rice to the fire-ravaged Hawaiian island of Maui. This heartfelt initiative comes in the aftermath of the devastating fire that swept through the historic town of Lahaina, leaving destruction and displacement in its wake.
The rice, which will be loaded onto ten pallets, is scheduled to depart from the Foodbank’s Santa Maria warehouse on Tuesday, August 29th, at 1:30 PM. The shipment is part of a collective effort spearheaded by Feeding America, an organization that comprises a network of 200 Foodbanks across the United States. Last week, 26 containers of supplies were already shipped out from foodbanks and food pantries within the Feeding America network.
With countless victims displaced by this catastrophic event, these essential supplies are a lifeline for the affected residents of Lahaina. The timely arrival of the rice will provide much-needed sustenance and support as they navigate the challenging path towards recovery and rebuilding their lives.
The Foodbank’s Chief Operating Officer, Paul Wilkins, is overseeing the coordination of this rice shipment from their Santa Maria warehouse, which is one of two warehouses operated by the organization. He emphasizes the importance of providing mutual aid to partner food banks within the Feeding America network, as it plays a crucial role in preparing the Foodbank for prompt disaster response. Wilkins expresses his hope that these supplies will make a meaningful impact in assisting the displaced neighbors of Lahaina, helping them move forward and rebuild their lost homes.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is an integral part of the Feeding America network, which is dedicated to alleviating hunger and food insecurity across the nation. Comprising a vast network of food banks, food pantries, and meal programs, Feeding America ensures that donated food and groceries reach those in need, no matter where they reside. Their goal is to provide affordable and nutritious food to people facing hunger.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, through its network of over 200 partner agencies, nutrition education programs, and food distribution sites, aims to eliminate hunger and food insecurity by promoting good nutrition and food literacy. Their tireless efforts in nourishing communities and educating people about healthy eating truly make a difference in transforming lives.
For more information about the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, please visit their official website at FoodbankSBC.org. You may also contact Leana Orsua at the Foodbank by calling (805) 680-0625.
In these challenging times, the collective efforts of organizations like the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and Feeding America serve as beacon of hope. Through their unwavering dedication, they strive to ensure that those affected by unforeseen disasters receive the support and sustenance they need to overcome adversity and rebuild their lives.
