From Food Bank of the Albemarle

ELIZABETH CITY — The impact of Hurricane Matthew caused widespread flooding, power outages and damage. Even without a direct hit of the storm, the Albemarle area was inundated with heavy rain and high winds.

Food Bank of the Albemarle is working with 145 hunger relief partners to ensure there is adequate and nutritious food available.

Executive Director Liz Reasoner commented on the after effects of the storm.

“From Windsor to the Outer Banks, all 15 counties we serve received unimaginable flooding,” Reasoner said. “We work directly with emergency management operations to aid with supplies, and Food Bank of the Albemarle is determined to make sure that every man, woman, and child gets enough to eat, and clean water to drink.”

While the damage is still being assessed, natural disasters put adequate nutrition further out of reach for those in our community who struggle with hunger, and force others who have never received food assistance to seek help from food pantries.

Natural disasters create a desperate and long-term crisis for those affected. The Food Bank and other relief organizations throughout the country work as a team to bring help and comfort to people suffering the effects of these disasters. Financial contributions and food donations will help ensure the Food Bank is able to provide the necessary, emergency food assistance to our partner agencies for distribution to our families in need.

Donations of non-perishable canned goods with pop-top lids are in high demand, as well as ready-to-eat meals, canned stew or dry goods like rice and pasta. If you would like to help by hosting a food drive, call Rod Sershen at 252-335- 4035, ext. 114.

Financial donations to Food Bank of the Albemarle can be made at www.afoodbank.org, by check, or cash at 109 Tidewater Way, Elizabeth City.

For more information, visit the Food Bank website or call at 252-335- 4035.