Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said Friday that Louisiana companies are donating a significant amount of food and supplies to a food bank in Moore, Okla., following the devastating tornado there.
“It is a humbling experience when you need help,” said Strain.”What makes this country great is the generosity that comes from our citizens and local businesses.
“Louisiana has been the recipient of much assistance in the past from other parts of the country because of catastrophic events such as hurricanes. This is a chance for us to give back to those who are in need,” added Strain. “Once again, our Louisiana citizens and companies are proving to be extremely generous.”
Contributions include:
• Farmers Rice Milling Co. of Lake Charles, La., donated one ton of rice;
• Blue Runner Foods of Gonzales donated 1,200 cases of beans to feed up to 65,000 people;
• Silgan Containers donated the cans for the beans;
• Clarion Inn and Turner Industries each donated $1,000 toward the food products;
• Robert’s Distributors donated $600 toward the purchase of fuel for the delivery of the food;
• Zapp’s Potato Chips also donated several pallets of potato chips;
• Gonzales and East Ascension Rotary Clubs donated four pallets of water, paper towels, Gatorade and liquid soap; and
• Truck owner Lester Duplessis will be delivering the food to Moore.
The EF-5 tornado struck the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore on May 20. At least 24 people were reported killed and nearly 400 injured. Another twister struck the Oklahoma City area over the weekend, killing several children, three storm chasers and others.
“I’d also like to thank the leadership here in Ascension Parish—Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux, Parish President Tommy Martinez and Sheriff Jeff Wiley for everything they’ve done to support this effort,” said Strain.
In the featured photo at top: Katie Thomas of Blue Runner, Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain and Luis Ramos of Blue Runner show off the donation of one ton of rice and a dozen cases of red beans going to a Moore, Okla., food bank to help feed the community devastated by the recent tornado. Farmers Rice Milling Co. of Lake Charles, La., donated the rice.
