Water Deliveries Prepared Clients for Announced Water Outage

Yesterday, in response to Prince George’s County's planned water shutdown, we delivered 500 gallons of water to nearly 100 clients living in the affected area. We were thankful to learn that the crisis was averted but our clients would have been cared for regardless.

Yet again, thanks to incredible partners in the community – Walmart Stores in the Mid Atlantic Area and Capital Area Food Bank – we were able to respond to the special needs of our clients despite dramatically challenging conditions.

Specifically, Walmart generously donated an estimated 6,000 bottles of water. We greatly appreciate our partners’ spirit to serve and support the community every day and especially in times of need.

A few news agencies highlighted our efforts:

• Check out some of the Washington Post’s coverage 
• NewsChannel 8 also followed one of our delivery teams and shared the story of a delivery driver’s personal connection to the cause

Thank you again to everyone who played a role in yesterday’s water deliveries and who help to make our services possible.

Delivering 1,000 Gallons of Water to Clients in Prince George’s County Affected by Water Outage

In response to the massive water outage in Prince George’s County taking place this week, Food & Friends will be delivering water to clients living in the affected area. In a normal day, we deliver nutritious meals to children and adults facing HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses. Under these circumstances, we will also be delivering water with each meal delivery.

According to Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission's (WSSC) website, nearly 100,000 people could be affected by the massive water shutoff happening later today. Nearly 100 of those residents are clients of Food & Friends. These people are already facing difficult health circumstances which will be worsened by a lack of clean drinking water.

We will deliver 2.5 gallons of water per day to each client and their family members. From Wednesday to Friday, this will amount to nearly 1,000 gallons of water.

“This outage could not have come at a worst time. Many of our clients are homebound and are unable to walk to the grocery store or fight the crowds to purchase clean drinking water,” says Janell Walker, Assistant Director of Program Services and Registered Dietitian. “The heat already brings unrelenting health concerns for the thousands of clients we serve: dehydration, weak appetites and fatigue. These concerns are exacerbated when sick populations do not have access to clean drinking water. It’s a dangerous combination of circumstances.”

When things like this happen, it is more important than ever that we think about our most vulnerable neighbors and how we can continue to serve them.

Stay updated on the water outage by visiting the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s website and Facebook page.

For more information about Food & Friends’ efforts during the water outage, please contact Chris Copley, Communications Manager, at (706) 614-6383, (202) 269-6875 or by email at ccopley@foodandfriends.org.