A First Response Network to Feed People During a Disaster in the Sonoma Valley

Should a major disaster occur in the Sonoma Valley, the FOOD network will be called into action by its network of coordinators who will:

• Use two-way wireless communications to first verify the extent of the emergency and the level of response that is appropriate, and then identify the food centers and resources in the FOOD network that are still in place and functional and available.
• Activate emergency response in each of the effected Sectors ready to serve citizens in need.
• If necessary, arrange to acquisition food supplies from growers and available commercial sources (grocery stores, cafes, etc.) and their transport to the Food Centers in each Sector where they can be used. In the event of a power failure, particular attention will be given to acquisition and use of the perishable foods on the shelves in local markets which would otherwise spoil due to lack of refrigeration.
• Help participating businesses keep track of the stock items used to facilitate later claims for financial reimbursement from Federal or State authorities when the disaster is over.
• Use the local media and available communication networks to get the word out to the community about the availability of the services available, and inform both residents and affected visitors about how to reach and access those services effectively.
• Feed people in need for 72 hours (or as long as needed or the supplies last) using existing restaurants, cafés and food trucks as available.
• Turn over the responsibility for mass feeding in the community to official sources (Red Cross, County, etc.) when outside help finally arrives.