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Haiti Earthquake Disaster Efforts
As international relief groups respond to the earthquake aftermath in Haiti, Feeding America is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for any potential involvement that member food banks may need to undertake. Though Feeding America is a domestic hunger organization, situations so close to our shores inevitably affect our work—everything from serving refugees to sharing wisdom with our peer international nonprofit organizations.
What Feeding America is Doing
Since the earthquake struck Haiti on January 12, Feeding America disaster response staff members have been engaged in numerous conversations with food bank personnel, donors, National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA). These organizations are each conducting daily information-sharing calls on behalf of the Department of State (including the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance and the US Agency for International Development), which is the lead entity for response to Haiti.
Next Steps
Feeding America will continue to participate in FEMA’s daily coordination calls and swiftly notify food banks in the network when any actionable information is provided. If food banks are called upon to help, Feeding America will seek immediate guidance from FEMA and the Department of State to ensure the response is coordinated and as effective as possible.
How You Can Help
Please visit NVOAD, Red Cross or Center for International Disaster Information. These web sites provide guidance on active organizations that are seeking support from the public.
