Today CHS has pledged donations of $50,000 to Hurricane Ida relief efforts, including $25,000 to Feeding America and $25,000 to the American Red Cross.
Hurricane Ida made landfall on Aug. 29 about 60 miles south of New Orleans, La., carrying winds up to 150 miles per hour. More than 800,000 people remain without power in Louisiana and Mississippi, and thousands are dealing with destructive flooding, including about 100 CHS employees at the Myrtle Grove, La., grain export terminal.
“We recognize the significant challenges faced by many individuals and communities impacted by Hurricane Ida,” says Jay Debertin, CHS president and CEO. “Acting on the CHS value of cooperative spirit, we are supporting the American Red Cross and Feeding America to help those affected by this disaster as they recover and restore their homes, businesses and communities.”
Both Feeding America and the American Red Cross have been on the ground since Ida made landfall. Feeding America has already provided more than 1.6 million pounds of food, water and relief supplies to food banks in the hardest hit parishes, including food banks in Plaquemines Parish, where many CHS employees reside.
“Power is still out across most of the region and there’s limited access to grocery and supply stores,” says Sarah Fahkari, CHS Myrtle Grove terminal manager. “Food banks and supplies from Feeding America and the American Red Cross are crucial as community members and employees begin the difficult clean-up process.”
The American Red Cross has provided safe housing for more than 4,000 people who were displaced from their homes and delivered food and emergency supplies through its network of more than 2,000 volunteers. There are currently more than 20 emergency shelters open, including one in the Plaquemines parish serving residents from Myrtle Grove and the surrounding area. Clean up efforts are expected to take several months, with American Red Cross volunteers likely assisting through Thanksgiving.
In addition to supporting Feeding America and the American Red Cross, CHS is providing support directly to CHS employees affected by Hurricane Ida through the company’s employee assistance program.
