Tornado victims in Rolling Fork, MS

I recently returned from Rolling Fork, MS. As predicted all suppliers of plate lunches for the front line workers and displaced locals are departing by May 10. I spoke with them and they were relieved to hear someone was taking their place.

Thus far RoadRunner, a Veteran owned and operated company, has worked disaster relief for hurricanes Delta, Laura, Ian, and Ike. We have recently participated in the tornado affected areas in Mississippi. The tornado struck March 24 and May 10 is about the 45 day mark when volunteer parties depart.

Problem

The void that will need filling and where donations will make an impact is in plate lunches. We did explore the option of providing goods and food but in both my visits, the distribution center was overstocked.

Solution

RoadRunner has established a kitchen that can meet capacity of 150 lunches and a back up food truck that can handle an additional 150. We have a reserve food truck that was assisting one of the volunteer organizations so we can meet any daily count needed up to 1,000. Four hotels will need to be serviced potentially for displaced persons in the wake of the departure of the previous volunteer organizations. RoadRunner provides delivery in disaster areas by employing people who have lost their jobs due to the storm so the surrounding areas can be serviced as well.

Reduced cost and menu.

In disaster areas when contracting with work crews, pricing of plate lunches are drastically reduced. For this endeavor we can successfully provide plate lunches and pay the kitchen, staff, and delivery drivers. As a Veteran owned company, we know what bad food is in disasters and we strive to reverse that. While several organizations provide dishes like beans and rice daily, our meals consist of one meat, one starch, and one vegetable that rotate 7 days a week. They are sufficient for any age and front line workers. Through the course of this project we can provide a weekly menu.

Goal

RoadRunner seeks to feed at least 100 people per day. The daily requirement is $1100 per day. The salvage crews are still clearing the roads for the construction crews so this will be at least a 3 month endeavor. We will attempt to fund a minimum of $33,000 per month for three months for a total of $99,000.

RoadRunner is experienced like no other delivery service to provide meals in austere environments. We recently serviced four cities and three islands in Florida following Hurricane Ian. In Rolling Fork, we have the kitchens in place, payment process set up, and drivers available for delivery. Through donations, we can continue to feed those in need, create jobs, and spurn a burdened economy.