This is an email from Lynn Krause. We are currently on hold with going upto the area to help cook.
Good Morning Chefs!
Received a message for preparation from the American Red Cross. Their request is to possibly establish several "cooking stations" along the Red River area and the further down stream areas who have potential flooding predicted. More than likely, due to flooding conditions, they will probably not be bringing in portable cooking trailers and will be looking for established kitchens who would be able to prepare food items to be shipped out into the field, something very similar which was done in Iowa out of two different kitchen locations, Cedar Rapids and Ottumwa (Thank You Chef BJ!!! and all those who came to help!!!)
The Red Cross will provide foods - simple as they are - we may use any donated foods - food pantry food products, etc., pre-approved purchased items as in seasonings, etc. Red Cross will also pay for limited living expenses which are directly related to disaster, i.e. gas traveling to event, food eaten while working event, living arrangements are generally provided through a shelter, which is designated only for volunteers. All expenses must be pre-approved with local Red Cross managers. (This is something learned while working Hurricanes Gustav and Ike)
So far, the communities affected are holding their own and there are not any immediate needs - and planning is ongoing.
If any of you Chefs are in areas who are in the potential down stream flood zone areas, please let me know if you would be able to consider your kitchen a "cooking and staging" location for food prep and distribution or if you know of kitchens in your communities that might be utilized - such as local schools, churches, community centers, etc.
Thanks so much - in advance, we thank each of you for your continued efforts, let us know what is available and we'll try and get the workforce there to help you!
ACF Chefs are Amazing!!!
Yours in cooking,
Lynn Krause, CEPC, AAC
Culinary Instructor
Southeast Missouri State University
One University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
573-986-6041 office
314-581-2901 cell
lrk@semo.edu