Food Basket Prepares for Darby

Hawai‘i Food Basket’s Tropical Storm Darby preparations. Photo credit: The Hawai‘i Food Basket Inc.

The Food Basket Inc. – Hawai‘i Island’s Food Bank, is preparing for the potential effects of Tropical Storm Darby as it continues to track toward the state.

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.

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.

“Through the generosity of the community, we are well stocked with water and other necessities should the storm hit the Big Island full force,” said En Young, executive director of The Food Basket. “We learned many lessons from Tropical Storm Iselle, and The Food Basket staff and our partner agencies are much more knowledgeable and coordinated. While none of us can predict the effects of the storm, you can be assured that we are ready and able to assist in the event of an emergency in your area.”

The Food Basket 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.

For information on hurricane preparedness, visit the Central Pacific Hurricane Center website.

“We have water; we have food; we have USDA supplies,” said Jo Ann Abiley, Hilo Warehouse supervisor. “We’re prepared to handle whatever may come from Tropical Storm Darby. The Food Basket will wait for potential impact before mobilizing efforts. This is to be sure that resources are available when and where they are ultimately needed.”

Hawai`i County Civil Defense reminds the public that “residents of Hawai‘i Island are urged to complete preparations before nightfall.”