The First Step: Tell Us You Need Gluten Free Food

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2013

CONTACT: Dee Valdez
Aka Gluten Free Dee
(C) 970.308.1062
[email protected]

 

The First Step: Tell Us You Need Gluten Free Food

 

“The greatest need is yet to come,” according to Salvation Army Logistics Chief, Major Wayne Wetter, referring to the need to feed the families from the 17,494* damaged homes, the 11,750* people evacuated or the 1,502* families who lost their homes from September floods in Colorado.

People impacted by the floods are living off their own money or insurance money right now and being fed at shelters, according to Major Wetter. “The greatest need will come when they begin the process of restoring their homes. At that point, we will increase our relief efforts as the cleanup become the focus rather than rescue efforts, which are the focus now,” according to Wetters.

The Salvation Army is currently preparing approximately 10,000 meals a day for emergency responders and those displaced by the floods. The recovery efforts will bring the bigger need. Wetters says there are 10 Canteens (mobile kitchens) in use now and there will be more as cleanup efforts increase.

“Common food being prepared for the masses include dishes like lasagna, spaghetti and hamburgers” says Wetters. “The food is prepared before we know who is being fed,” he says. “If someone needs gluten free food, we don’t know it unless they speak up and tell us.”

The Logistics Chief says if there is a need to purchase gluten free food, they will do it. Initially, there was no awareness of a need. After Gluten Free Dee, Founder of the National Gluten Free Food Bank Movement, had an extensive conversation with Wetters, he agreed to implement a process in Colorado throughout the Salvation Army emergency response system, so those needing gluten free food could be fed. The key, according the Wetters, is that if you need gluten free food tell the relief workers so we can feed you.

 

* Source: Colorado Office of Emergency Management

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