One month ago today, Hurricane Isaac began its slow journey through the Gulf Coast - devastating the shoreline and low-level areas of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. In its wake, thousands of people were left without power, food, water and other essentials.
However, as part of Feeding America's Disaster Relief Program, member food banks were at the ready to bring supplies to those in need. In the New Orleans area alone, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana has distributed nearly 1.8 million pounds of food to disaster victims.
And those deliveries continue. A month after the hurricane's landfall, the local food banks continue to deliver thousands of pounds of food to those in hard-hit areas.
"Our member food banks are on the ground supporting the local community every day. So when a disaster strikes, we are well positioned to provide much needed food and supplies to affected families," said Matt Knott, interim President and CEO of Feeding America, the nation's leading hunger relief organization. "But, we wouldn't be able to do that without our generous corporate partners like The Allstate Foundation, who make sure that we can help our neighbors, friends and family on a moment's notice, even in the most challenging of circumstances."
Feeding America and The Allstate Foundation were able to help area food banks reply to an increased demand - up to four times the previous need in some communities - where the everyday disaster of hunger is already such an urgent issue in these vulnerable communities in the Gulf Coast.
"Through The Allstate Foundation's partnership with Feeding America, we are able to help people when they need it the most," stated Matthew Winter, president of Allstate Auto, Home and Agencies."As a part of the response to Hurricane Isaac, we have been able to deliver thousands of pounds of food to the Gulf Coast region. While the effort is not over, communities impacted by this disaster can rest assured that local food banks are equipped to help aid them and their families."
In 2012, Allstate and The Allstate Foundation have been able to provide nearly $500,000 in support to Feeding America and deliver more than 1,000,000 meals to those in need–a number that continues to grow. Additionally, Allstate is committed to providing more than $1 million in support for Feeding America to address the needs of disaster victims over the next four years.
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About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
The Allstate Foundation
Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL). Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations across the country, The Allstate Foundation brings the relationships, reputation and resources of Allstate to support innovative and lasting solutions that enhance people's well-being and prosperity. With a focus on teen safe driving and building financial independence for domestic violence survivors, The Allstate Foundation also promotes safe and vital communities; tolerance, inclusion, and diversity; and economic empowerment. For more information, visit www.AllstateFoundation.org.
