Food and Society at Aspen Institute’s Post

Is our food supply chain resilient enough to keep people fed in an emergency? The answer is probably yes - but only just. That’s in large part thanks to the efforts of Aotearoa Food Rescue Alliance members and our friends at the New Zealand Food Network. Food Rescuers and Food Banks have the infrastructure, skills, community connections and knowledge to make sure food gets to people experiencing unexpected need. They were vital in the response to last year’s cyclones and flooding events and played a huge role during the pandemic. This article celebrates the amazing work of organisations like GizzyKai, Go Eco (Waikato Environment Centre) and Supergrans Tairawhiti Trust. We need to build more resilience into our food system. Regional and National “pantries” that maintain a stockpile of food to be accessed in emergencies is one change that should be implemented. We also need the Government to recognise, with funding, the importance of maintaining the organisations they rely on during emergencies. Community food relief orgs can’t just pop up out of nowhere when disaster strikes. Do you agree? Should we invest in food resilience for disaster response?

I repost many Food Safety and Facilities Sanitation posts from very qualified individuals. Knowledge is power folks. Take a little time to familiarize yourself with this important subject matter. 👍 Another great informational post by Bill Marler!! Food Safety is imperative to one’s health.

NEW HUNGER BLOG: 💡 Preparedness is Key 💡 You may not see us every day, but local food pantries are always at the ready for the next disaster. (It's not a matter of if, but when.) Whether it's stockpiling food or coordinating with emergency services, Olean Food Pantry is ready to support our communities when it’s needed most. 🛠️ https://lnkd.in/eDzasjQg #DisasterResponse #FloodOf72 #CommunityResilience #OleanNY #FoodPantries #FoodBanks #LocalFoodPantries #DisasterPreparedness #HungerHeroes #LocalHeroes #EmergencyResponse #EmergencyFood #EmergencyPreparedness #CommunityPreparedness #DisasterPlan

Reason number 863,234,597 that I love my job = researching food insecurity post disaster for the briefing note mentioned in this fantastic article with the help of passionate, knowledgeable, committed folk like Gradon Diprose, Tric Malcolm, Jo Fountain, Nicholas Cradock-Henry, and Nicola King. Reason number 863,234,598 is how much more secure I feel understanding just some of the intricacies of disaster planning and the hope that something can be done about some of the gaps. https://lnkd.in/gHAPpUdM

The NC Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments are working with restaurants and food establishments impacted by Hurricane Helene to help them reopen and feed their communities. Restaurants who lack their usual sources of power, drinking water and wastewater treatment can reopen through an Emergency Operations Plan developed with their local health department. Restaurants may need to limit or simplify their menu based on the amount of water available; they may need to switch to take-out service only; or they may need to obtain a porta-potty. Other important elements include: Water is coming from an approved source, such as the municipal water system, an approved and tested community well or water supply company or bottled water. If a water storage truck, tank or other container is used, it should be designed for potable water. Water for employee handwashing is provided. A toilet or porta-potty for employees and customers is available if the restaurant is open for seated customers. If using flushing toilets, either gray water or other non-potable water must be available to flush them. More details: https://lnkd.in/eNDtYYTm #WNCStrong #NCAgriculture #ncwx #HeleneReliefEfforts #Helene2024

2024 CoStar Impact Award Winner - The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina - Commercial Development of the Year for Wilmington, NC New Food Bank Delivers on Needed Services By Mark Heschmeyer and Christian Taylor CoStar News March 27, 2024 | 6:15 AM The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s new 35,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution center is a significant milestone in the organization's mission to alleviate hunger and improve the overall well-being of communities across the region. The new Wilmington branch at 1000 Greenfield St. is a testament to the food bank’s commitment to fighting hunger and food insecurity. This facility will serve as a vital resource for the communities it reaches, including Wilmington and surrounding areas, as well as a vital epicenter for any disaster relief. This facility is constructed of tilt-up concrete to ensure that it will be able to maintain full operations in the aftermath of a natural disaster. For this reason, the project received a 2024 CoStar Impact Award for commercial development of the year. The awards highlight the commercial real estate transactions and projects that have transformed their markets over the past year. The winners are chosen by independent panels of industry professionals who work in the markets they judge. With the establishment of the new Wilmington branch, the food bank will be able to collaborate with local farmers, food producers and businesses more efficiently. This partnership should stimulate economic growth by creating opportunities for job creation and economic development. About the Project: The facility boasts cutting-edge infrastructure and technology to streamline food distribution processes, making supporting community organizations and partnerships easier and providing nutritious meals to those in need. What the Judges Said: "They had many hurdles to get the project completed," said Jeff Hovis, broker with Intracoastal Realty. They Made It Happen: Ashley McCumber, CEO, and Charlie Hale, president, of Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina; Bryan Greene and Hill Rogers, brokers with Cameron Management. https://lnkd.in/erZhYWHv

I hope you will register and join us. Working on this series is one of the things I love most. This conversation will be with experts in Disaster Relief.

This week, our region faced the unprecedented and historic Hurricane Beryl. As we come together to rebuild and recover, it's important to address the heightened risk of foodborne illness outbreaks that often follow such extreme weather events. Ensuring food safety during and after hurricanes is crucial for protecting our families and communities. Below are a few tips that can help minimize these risks and safeguard public health: 1️⃣ You should discard any food that has come into contact with floodwater to prevent contamination and ensure foods are cooked to safe internal temperatures. 2️⃣ Drink bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute to ensure it’s safe. You can also use water purification tablets if boiling water is not possible. 3️⃣ Keep non-perishable items like canned goods, dried fruits, and nuts close to hand and protect them from contamination. 4️⃣ Clean and sanitize any food preparation surfaces with a bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water). Regularly try to wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before handling food. 5️⃣ It is important to check for unusual odors, colors, or textures in foods and discard anything suspicious. 🗑️ When in doubt, throw it out! We have to prioritize food and water safety for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. By following these tips, we can help ensure the safety of our food supplies and minimize the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks. Let's support each other during this recovery period and take every step to protect our health and well-being! #FoodSafety #HurricaneRecovery #StaySafe #Carriacou #Grenada #UnionIsland #StVincent #Grenadines #Barbados #Jamaica

It may not be Preparedness Month, but February IS National #CannedFoodMonth!!🥫 This should be a key part of your disaster preparedness kit. ✅Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, & a can opener are critical emergency food supplies. More tips: ready.gov/food

In case of flooding, follow USDA-FSIS tips for food safety: https://lnkd.in/eV4zyByt: #Foodsafety https://lnkd.in/dmQMBPk7