Normal, IL – Over 8 million people in Texas are still experiencing water disruptions, and thousands are still without power. Midwest Food Bank has received a request for six additional loads of family food boxes to be sent to Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas. On Friday, February 19, two loads left MFB’s Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, facility. At least one load will be leaving every day this week.
The Midwest Food Bank Texas division, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, was without power from Monday through Thursday. Fortunately, no food was lost. Two loads of water and one load of USDA food boxes have been shipped from MFB Texas to Fairfield and Mexia, TX. MFB Texas will continue to distribute food to its more than 50 nonprofit partners in this time of increased need.
“With boil orders in effect in many areas, the demand for water is very high,” says David Emerson, Executive Director of MFB Texas. “People are scrambling for basic food and water needs.”
Volunteers assemble, fill, and drive the relief to distribution locations provided by Disaster Relief partner, The Salvation Army. Boxes are currently being filled at MFB’s Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, Illinois divisions. Three loads of water are being sent from MFB Georgia. At least one semi-load of relief will be sent every day this week.
“We’re blessed to be able to live out our mission of providing relief,” says Tara Ingham, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal. “In addition to our prayers, we gladly send them support in food and water.”
For those who wish to help, financial donations give Midwest Food Bank the flexibility to quickly and efficiently respond to the needs of the victims. To help cover the cost of the supplies or fuel needed to transport them, visit midwestfoodbank.org, and click on “Donate.” On the donation form, select “Disaster Relief” for the designation, or text @MFB to 52014 to donate.
At this time, volunteer sign-ups are full. Potential volunteers are encouraged to watch MFB’s Facebook page and groups for new opportunities.