We have already provided five truckloads of food and beverages working alongside Department of Children & Families at Sanford International Airport. The first food these Haitian U.S. citizens receive when on U.S. soil is directly from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. We do not know what to anticipate when the refugee population starts to arrive in the U.S. and its impact on Central Florida.

The folks were so grateful for the food and also to be out of harm’s way. When I had the chance to provide food to the flight crew of the C-17 military transport in the middle of Saturday night, it was certainly one of those “mission moments” I’ll never forget.

To see our military being used for humanitarian reasons was very heartwarming. And to see that the average age of the nine member flight crew was about 27 years old was really a surprise!

That crew could not have been more polite and respectful despite flying for hours and under pressure to get back to Port Au Prince quickly. It made me proud to be an American.

Below are some pictures:

Waiting the arrival of the first Military transport filled with hundreds of people from Port Au Prince.A diversity of ages arrive ranging from orpaned babies to senior citizens.

Expressions of hope, exhaustion or just dazed by the experience.

Bonsoir madame. People were so grateful for the airlift.

Haitians being greeted on the tarmac.

Second Harvest Food Bank volunteers John and Rob. It was a 20 - hour day of disaster relief.

Collaboration with our great partners, Dept. of Children & Families, made this relief effort successful.

The first food they enjoyed on U.S. soil proudly provided by Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

Military transport plane at Sanford Intl. Airport. Arriving throughout the week from Port Au Prince.

Dave after feeding the crew of the C-17 Military transport plane. Proud to be an American. (average age of the crew: 27 years old, excluding Dave!)

Second Harvest, A Feeding America Member: On site providing relief within hours.

Dave Krepcho
President/CEO
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida

The most effective way for our community to help is to work with our fellow non-profit, non-governmental, and faith-based organizations that are responding at this very moment. These are all reputable organizations with ties to the Haitian community over the years. They can ensure that aid will get to the people in the most effective manner.

The situation is extremely difficult and only those organizations with knowledge of Haiti and the local connections can deliver aid effectively. These organizations need financial donations now.

Donations of food, clothing or other supplies will get bottle-necked in the logistics system at this point. Primarily, it’s military-related deliveries that are currently being channeled.

We recommend the following online resources , where you can find opportunities to help:

• NVOAD
• InterAction
• The Center for International Disaster Information
• Volunteer Florida

In the coming weeks, the situation will change and there may be opportunities for more domestic help. Your support may be needed once thousands of refugees are placed in Central Florida; they will have a need for basics such as food.

Sincerely,
Dave Krepcho
President and CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida