With the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) set to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) distributions beginning November 1, Grounded Boots Relief is preparing to assist food banks and communities that will feel the immediate impact. The interruption of benefits will affect more than 40 million Americans, and food banks across the country are already warning of increased demand and limited supply.

 

Our organization is assessing how to best support these efforts through logistics, volunteer coordination, and transportation assistance. As with disaster response, timing and access are critical. Many of the hardest-hit areas are also the hardest to reach, and our goal is to help ensure that food and essential supplies can make it into these harsh or isolated environments.

We are reaching out to regional partners to identify needs, share resources, and determine where our teams can provide the most meaningful help. This situation may not directly involve a natural disaster, but it is still a crisis that demands readiness, coordination, and compassion.

 

Grounded Boots Relief remains committed to showing up when and where we are needed most. Anyone interested in volunteering for food distribution, transport support, or community outreach is encouraged to reach out. When supply chains slow and programs pause, boots on the ground can keep help moving forward.

Disclaimer: The USDA.gov link provided includes some partisan messaging. Grounded Boots Relief, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is committed to sharing information directly from primary sources whenever possible. We do not endorse any political party, candidate, or agenda, in accordance with the Johnson Amendment.
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/charities-churches-and-politics  

Our thoughts are with the people of Jamaica, Haiti, and neighboring islands as Hurricane Melissa nears with historic strength. According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa has rapidly intensified by nearly 70 mph in just 24 hours and is now a Category 4 hurricane expected to reach Category 5 before making landfall.

 

Melissa’s slow forward speed of about 5 mph is adding to the danger. Forecasts warn of up to 40 inches of rain in southern Jamaica and Hispaniola, leading to catastrophic flooding, landslides, and long-term power and communication outages. A storm surge of 9 to 13 feet is also possible along Jamaica’s southern coast, including parts of Kingston and Norman Manley International Airport.

 

This could be one of the most destructive hurricanes in Jamaica’s recorded history. While the storm is outside the range of Grounded Boots Relief, we hold those affected in our hearts and stand in solidarity with all who will be responding. We encourage everyone to stay informed through the National Hurricane Center and The Weather Channel, and to support trusted organizations providing relief in the Caribbean.   Source: Weather.com

Shocking Fact of the Week:
    

The median annual income for households served by Feeding America’s network is just $9,175, forcing many to decide whether to eat, keep the lights on, or pay rent.
Source: feedingamerica.org

(All events pending Blue Skies)
  NCEMA: October 28-29
Gear Up & Game On: November 8th  

This week, Thomas Gioello and I will attend the NCEMA conference, where emergency managers from across North Carolina gather to share ideas and strategies. Thomas, our Emergency Management Liaison, will take the lead while I do what I do best: listen, learn, and network. Meeting these leaders before disaster strikes helps ensure that Grounded Boots Relief is a known and trusted name when help is needed most.

 

As spooky season wraps up, I’ll be turning my full attention back to Grounded Boots Relief. My final ghost tour of the year is November 8, the same day as our Gear Up & Game On event. I may even offer free tour tickets to those who attend as a small thank-you. After that, I’ll be back in full relief mode.

 

Lately, I’ve been focusing on fundraising and sustainability. The courses through WNC Pathways have been a huge help, giving insight into how successful nonprofits grow responsibly. We’ve covered most of our startup costs, but responses themselves require steady support.

 

Our Giving Tuesday campaign begins December 2, but donations are always welcome. Every dollar goes directly toward equipment, supplies, and training that make our responses possible. Grounded Boots Relief remains entirely volunteer-driven, and your support keeps our boots on the ground and ready to move when the call comes.