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Food Security and Emergency Preparedness

Food security is a critical aspect of disaster preparedness. Emergencies like floods, tornadoes, pandemics, and storms can disrupt food supplies. One of the first steps in creating a food security plan is to understand the local needs, including the specific food security challenges and vulnerabilities of the population. With Herkimer County being number one in food insecurity, outside of the five boroughs, we are already at a disproportionate risk. Typically, in the event of an emergency, the most vulnerable individuals are low-income, elderly, single parents, children, and people with chronic disease, illness, or disabilities. How will we outline steps to ensure that Herkimer County’s most vulnerable are prioritized for assistance? Are residents, organizations, schools, municipalities informed and prepared for different types of emergencies? Do we know what our emergency feeding protocol is?  

Broken fridge in disaster area
kitchen in disaster area

After a summer of close-by tornadoes and an ever-changing climate, it is imperative that we are proactive in addressing food security within emergency preparedness in Herkimer County. Unexpected power outages, water outages, water contamination, sewage issues, pandemics, fires, floods, winter storms, and other disasters will have significant influence on an already stressed food supply. These disruptions are particularly concerning in rural counties like Herkimer, where distance, limited infrastructure, and seasonal weather can exacerbate food insecurity. Furthermore, emergencies often trigger an economic crisis which may affect food availability and affordability. The destructive waves will ripple through our food system and impact drinking water, irrigation, livestock health, food production, hygiene, safety, market stability, public health, food-borne illness, and more. A plan can help mitigate the risks of food shortages and the price hikes that often follow.

“Together, we can build resilience and fill every plate, one plan at a time.”

Strengthening local food production and distribution systems is crucial for increasing food security and long-term community resiliency. A few ways we can achieve this are by supporting local farmers, creating community gardens, establishing emergency food reserves, enhancing food access programs, administering community education programs, and improving transportation and distribution networks. At the individual level, Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County has an educational Preparedness and Resiliency Cookbook to help you and your family get started with planning and preparing meals for a two-week period. As we look towards further developing our plans, a question we need to ask ourselves is, “Where are all of our food access points?”  Food access points can include farms, grocery stores, community gardens, food pantries, restaurants, food trucks, etc. What is the capacity of our current local food system to handle a surge in demand?

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sign that says emergency food stamp applications

Creating a food security disaster plan is a proactive step toward keeping communities adaptable in the face of crises. It helps to safeguard public health and ensure that food remains accessible and affordable when it’s needed most. A plan can also foster greater community cooperation and a sense of security by knowing that systems are in place to manage food access during a disaster. By integrating food security into local emergency preparedness plans, Herkimer County can strengthen its ability to respond and protect its most vulnerable populations. With a focus on local food systems, emergency food reserves, access programs, and community education, we can create a better future in which every resident has access to the nutritious food they need, even in times of emergency. Together, we can build resilience and fill every plate, one plan at a time.

Alexandra Tamburro is a NY Public Health Fellow assigned to Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County. She is committed to contributing to civic programs that strengthen local communities, address social problems, and provide disaster preparedness. With fifteen years of experience in disaster relief across the United States and the Virgin Islands, she has worked on the ground in communities affected by natural crises, helping to rebuild and support recovery efforts. Additionally, Alexandra co-created a community garden in Frankfort to address food insecurity, foster local connections, and promote environmental stewardship. On the weekends, you may find her with her camera in hand at her shop, Main Street Mercantile, in Little Falls. Her photography and writing have been used by various non-profits and featured in art galleries throughout New York State.

Article published November 22, 2024.

Alli in construction gear, sitting on concrete