CLARKSDALE, Miss. – The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced today that the Delta Leadership Network (DLN) is partnering with Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland and Feeding America National Organization to help those impacted by the “Quad-State Tornado” and numerous thunderstorms last Friday evening. Monetary donations will be collected and tracked by Feeding America, who will then distribute them to local food networks in devastated areas of five DRA states: Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, and Tennessee.
DLN is the alumni group of DRA’s Delta Leadership Institute (DLI) Executive Academy. Over 600 fellows from all eight DRA states have graduated from DLI and are now active leaders within their own communities and the Delta region.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with those families affected by this horrific natural disaster. Unfortunately, the Delta is being impacted by storms more often, increasingly causing more damage and loss of life. Disaster response has become a way of life; either you are helping your neighbors, or they are helping you,” said DRA Alternate Co-Chairwoman Leslie Durham. “This is why the Delta Regional Authority’s Delta Leadership Network has partnered with Feeding America to raise money that will put food immediately in the hands of those who need it most. In this season of giving, please consider donating to help those in DRA communities devastated by the Quad-State Tornado.”
The tornado, which carved a 250-mile course through much of the Delta region, is said to be the longest “long-track” tornado in U.S. history. The tornado, and at least 30 other concurrent tornadoes and storm systems, caused catastrophic damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure in numerous DRA counties in northeast Arkansas, southeast Missouri, northwest Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois. In the hardest hit area, western Kentucky, it is estimated that at least 70 people are dead, and the number could rise to over 100.
“As light dawned after a horrific night, the first people who reached out were my DLN family – classmates and friends from all eight DRA states,” said Kentucky DLN Member Mary Anne Medlock. “At the same time, I learned that the Purchase Area Development District, in Mayfield, had lost their warehouse. It was home of our regional food bank, which serves nearly 40 local pantries and distributes over 2 million pounds of food each year. I knew the best way to help would be to partner with Feeding America, as they have the purchasing power and logistical network to move swiftly and safely. With one click, people willing to give can send money to support not only Kentucky, but all of the Delta communities that suffered damage.”
By donating here, Feeding America will track donations and share them with local food networks in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee.
DRA works for #OneDelta who is resilient in the face of adversity. In this season of giving, please consider donating and to help those in DRA communities devastated by the recent storms.
About the Delta Regional Authority
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) is a federal-state partnership created by Congress in 2000 to promote and encourage the economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training, and business development. DRA’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 252 counties and parishes of the eight-state region.
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, they have helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people they serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find them on Facebook or follow on Twitter.