The Capital Area Food Bank recently helped to get 13,000 liters of clean water to residents of Flint, Michigan during the water crisis there.
On Tuesday morning, March 15th, a food bank 18 wheeler rolled away from our DC distribution center to make the short trip to the Amtrak station, where the water was loaded onto a waiting train to make its journey north. Pallet after pallet of water continued to be unloaded from our truck. Food bank drivers, Amtrak staff and members of the Prince George’s County Fire Department watched with a clear sense of accomplishment, knowing that the water would soon be helping the people of Flint.
“Clean water, like food, is critical to health and to life itself”, said President and CEO Nancy E. Roman. “The food bank is proud to be using its truck fleet to deliver something so important”.
The collection started when Elisa Miller of Prince George’s County Kentland Volunteer Fire Department encouraged students at her school to bring in water; she later expanded the collection by coordinating with four Prince George’s County Fire Departments to serve as drop off locations where members of the community could donate water.
As word continued to spread, the water piled up and Elisa needed logistical assistance. The Capital Area Food Bank’s trucks were perfect for the job. As the volunteers continued to collect water, food bank trucks made multiple visits to pick up the water from donation sites in the community. Elisa says, “[I was] happy to run into the Capital Area Food Bank. They have been a blessing in helping move this water around!”
In total, the food bank picked up 20 pallets worth of water from the collection locations. That’s about 26,000 bottles of water heading to Flint. With the great work of caring members of our community and the Capital Area Food Bank essential resources will continue to be provided to those in times of need.
“The region knows that we are here for them,” said Roman. “Not only to strengthen the safety net under those who struggle to afford nourishing food, but also to act as a community partner when challenges arise.”