City's Leading Crisis Response Groups Join Forces to
Strengthen Emergency Response Network for All New Yorkers

The American Red Cross in Greater New York and Food Bank for New York City announced a significant new partnership this year to prepare for and respond to a wide range of disasters, from summer blackouts to winter storms or acts of terrorism. The organizations worked hand-in-hand to provide food, water and other supplies to the September 11, 2001 relief and recovery efforts, and this is the first formal agreement between these two major disaster response organizations to provide as much as eight million pounds of food to all New Yorkers who may need it during a crisis.

Theresa Bischoff, CEO of the American Red Cross in Greater New York, and Dr. Lucy Cabrera, president and CEO of the Food Bank for New York City, marked the occasion by transferring the first delivery of food and other supplies from one of the Food Bank's 18-wheelers to the Red Cross' emergency response vehicles at Red Cross headquarters in Manhattan. The partnership is part of a national effort by America's Second Harvest - the nation's largest hunger-relief organization - and the American Red Cross to strengthen the emergency response network in communities across the country.

"This partnership is a natural next step in a relationship that was forged in the days and weeks following 9/11," said Dr. Lucy Cabrera. "Our organizations worked hand-in-hand to provide food, water and other supplies to the ground zero relief and recovery efforts. And since 9/11, the Food Bank has developed an extensive disaster recovery plan that will enable us, in partnership with the Red Cross, to distribute as much as eight million pounds of food in the event of a crisis."

"The American Red Cross in Greater New York responds to about eight fires and other emergencies a day where we provide food, clothing, temporary shelter, counseling and other assistance. This agreement will enable us to expand our ability to serve all New Yorkers during any crisis. As we are taking extra steps to prepare before an emergency, we urge all New Yorkers to do the same," said Theresa Bischoff.

By coupling the Food Bank's expertise and efficiency in food distribution with the Red Cross's capabilities in responding to disasters, the organizations will deliver nourishing food quickly to those who need it the most. As part of the initiative, the Food Bank has transferred water, energy bars, coffee and other essential supplies to the Red Cross for immediate use. The organizations are also working on joint training exercises in preparation for potential disasters.