Food Basket Readies for Storms

The Food Basket, Inc. – Hawai`i Island’s Food Bank is preparing for the potential effects of Hurricanes Madeline and Lester as they continue to track towards Hawai‘i Island.

As one of the core agencies in disaster recovery, The Food Basket has prepared in-house by safely storing needed items should mobilization become necessary.

In addition, The Food Basket’s Senior Produce Program at all locations on Wednesday and Thursday has been canceled as a result of Hurricane Madeline.

Key community partners and volunteers have also been called upon via the disaster relief action plan to ensure that resources will be available and accessible to communities around the island that may be impacted. Some of those key partners provided preparatory support when Tropical Storm Darby threatened the state in July.

“We’ve been very fortunate that so far, all of the tropical storms have been near misses,” said En Young, executive director of The Food Basket. “No matter what the conditions, we will always prepare for the worst.

“Because of the previous threat of Tropical Storm Darby, donors have been generous with goods commonly sought after during these events,”Young. “Last month, Target gave a generous donation of toiletry items, and just today, someone donated The Food Basket with 192 can openers.”

The Food Basket, Inc. reminds the public to prepare responsibly for their immediate needs, stocking up on supplies for potential power outages, as well as food and water to last their family’s needs.

“We’re in the midst of hurricane season, so we are prepared with items needed in case this type of threat impacts our island,” said Jo Ann Abiley, Hilo Warehouse supervisor. “As in any disaster, we will wait for potential impact prior to mobilizing any efforts, so that we are able to accurately assess where they will be needed most.”