Hurricane Helene battered the southeastern United States from Sept. 26-27, leaving devastation and flooding in its wake. The grocery industry has responded by providing food and water, as well as monetary donations to impacted communities.
FMI – The Food Industry Association
FMI has created a hub page for those in and out of the grocery industry to provide operational and informational resources to help in disaster planning, response and recovery efforts for emergencies such as Hurricane Helene. Several of the consumer-facing resources include information about food safety and other emergency responses.
Click here to learn more.
Food Lion
Salisbury, North Carolina-based Food Lion is donating $1.5 million to support the communities impacted by the hurricane. Through Oct. 30, customers can join this effort by making donations when the check out at the register. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation will distribute the funds to partner feeding organizations to address recovery and rebuilding efforts.
As part of the contribution, funds have been directed to support an initial emergency donation to American Red Cross, helping provide food, emergency shelter, relief supplies and comfort, as well as to World Central Kitchen in its efforts to provide meals.
To help address the most critical needs, Food Lion is collaborating with local disaster relief and response teams, hospitals, government agencies and community feeding partners to provide nonperishable snacks, water, gift cards and other supplies to shelters and emergency support service areas.
“Caring for our neighbors and the towns and cities we serve is an integral part of our Food Lion culture,” said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion.
“Our hearts go out to those devastated by Hurricane Helene, and we want our neighbors and communities to know they can count on Food Lion, especially those who need us most during this time. By joining forces with our customers, we are reminded of the strength and resiliency of our communities to come together to support those impacted by the effects of the storm.”
Hy-Vee
Hy-Vee, in partnership with Operation BBQ Relief, has deployed its disaster response units to the Southeast. Operation BBQ Relief has been handing out thousands of meals across Florida and Georgia and has expanded its efforts to North and South Carolina and Tennessee.
[RELATED: Hy-Vee Continues To Grow Business Units Across Operating Area]
Kroger
The Kroger Co. is providing relief through various campaigns, food and funds donated across the regions impacted by the hurricane.
“Our associates, customers, communities and neighbors are deeply affected in the Hurricane Helene aftermath, and we are joining forces with organizations across the country to step up and provide support,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO.
“Rescue crews and relief organizations on the ground are only now assessing the impact and beginning the long road to recovery. We hope Kroger’s support will feed the spirit of those who are affected and those helping the communities rebuild.”
Through the end of October, customers can help with disaster relief by rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar or making a donation when checking out at Harris Teeter locations and all stores across Kroger’s Atlanta and Nashville divisions. These contributions, as well as a matching grant from the Kroger Co. Foundation, will benefit the American Red Cross.
Kroger also is distributing truckloads of drinkable water and ice. The retailer intends to increase relief efforts over the coming days and weeks as community needs continue to evolve.
Kroger is a supporter of the United Service Organizations (USO) and sponsor of the USO | Kroger Mobile Canteens, which are deployed to impacted areas to support the National Guard and military service members. The units provide food, drinks and a place to rest and recharge for those answering the call to serve. Kroger will also support the USO with gift cards.
Lowes Foods
Several Lowes Foods locations have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. On the grocer’s website, it shared that “we will keep the doors open and lights on as long as possible to support our neighbors.” Multiple locations in North and South Carolina have adjusted their hours or are accepting only cash.
Publix
Publix Super Markets Charities (PSMC) is donating $1 million for communities impacted by the hurricane.
In addition, the grocer is activating a donation campaign to allow customers and employees to help those affected. Donations can be made at checkout. The effort’s end date will be based on customer response.
The contributions from PSMC and the register campaign will support nonprofits, including the American Red Cross, United Way and the Florida Fund.
“We’re grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for its donation to help the people and communities affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Publix CEO Kevin Murphy. “I’m proud of our more than 255,000 associates who continue to take care of our customers and communities in times of need.”
SpartanNash
Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has donated four truckloads of water for those impacted in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.
In partnership with Convoy of Hope, the grocer also will distribute more than 500,000 meals and 5,000 personal hygiene toiletry kits.
SpartanNash uses its large distribution network and food logistics expertise to provide aid when and where it is most needed. The company recently held its largest annual employee volunteer event, with hundreds of employees packing kits for Convoy of Hope.
Walmart
Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are committing an initial $6 million in support of hurricane relief efforts, including donations of food, water, essential supplies and grants to organizations providing relief.
Walmart will also match donations to the American Red Cross one-to-one, up to $2.5 million, when customers support hurricane relief at the registers in stores and clubs and on Walmart.com through Oct. 13.
In addition, before and after the storm made landfall, Walmart teams worked with local leaders and organizations to assess needs, support associates and deliver donations of supplies to organizations supporting relief efforts. The company is helping nonprofits and suppliers bring resources – including free meals, WiFi hotspots, charging stations and laundry and shower services – to communities without access to power.
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