Moore, OK—Some 16 southern Oklahoma counties are still reeling from the catastrophic tornados that ravaged the area on Monday of this week. Many homes and businesses were destroyed, leaving thousands of Oklahomans with nothing.

At the request of Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, non-profit Nourish America is aiming to help by collecting donations and contributions at www.nourishamerica.org. The goal is to provide healthy nutritious foods and other supplies to the victims and relief workers as soon as possible. Clif Bar has already stepped up to the plate by donating 230,000 energy bars to the cause.

Meanwhile, Relief Foods has committed to giving its freeze-dried, dehydrated foods to the cause. The company offers buckets of preservative-free, artificial flavor-free and GMO-free emergency meals (like rice pilaf and potato soup) that can be rehydrated and eaten. Until the end of June, the company plans to give one bucket to tornado victims for every bucket purchased on its Web site, www.relieffoods.com. Buckets (which are available as gluten-free) have a 25-year shelf life.

In an official statement, Relief Foods owner Rich Day stated, "Our company is built around helping people through tough times. When dealing with tragedy, knowing your family is safe and their basic needs are taken care of is all that matters."

If you’d like to help with Nourish America’s efforts, please contact the firm at marymorton2012@gmail.com or (805)794-3388. The following items are needed: monetary donations, bottled water, protein and meal replacement bars/drinks/powders, energy drinks, shelf-stable dairy products/foods/juices/baby food, canned goods, ready-to-eat cereal and snacks, multi-vitamins for children, adults and seniors, other supportive nutritional supplements, cleaning solutions, hand sanitation products, body and skin care products, cleaning solutions, diapers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, flashlights and batteries, and tampons and sanitary napkins.

As for natural products industry members affected, a Sprouts Farmers Market and Health Food Center located in Oklahoma City (about 10 miles from badly hit Moore) were largely spared, but are without water.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, July 2013 (online 5/23/13, updated 5/29/13)