BLOOMINGTON – A local food bank is assisting farmers in North Carolina recently impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Midwest Food Bank is supplying hay to farmers in North Carolina who are without feed for their livestock, according to a news release from the organization.
The hurricane destroyed vast acres of crops, leaving local livestock farmers struggling to secure enough feed for their cattle to survive the winter.
650 large round alfalfa hay bales have been donated to the food bank for this relief effort, and some shipments are already on their way to the WNC Regional Livestock Center in Canton, N.C.
“Disaster relief comes in many forms, and we are here to support,” Eric Hodel, Chief Executive Officer of Midwest Food Bank said in a statement. “We’re using our farm-based roots to support agriculture when it’s needed most.”
The food bank is in need of volunteers to transport the loads of hay especially individuals with trucking experience who can either drive or provide semi-tractors, trailers, or both. Those interested in volunteering should call the Bloomington-Normal location at 309-663-5350.
Transporting each truckload of hay costs approximately $1,500 in fuel. Donations for fuel costs can be made at midwestfoodbank.org/relief.