Two years ago, the Texas Gulf Coast was struck by a major disaster: Hurricane Beryl. Hurricane Beryl was both the earliest-forming Category 4 and Category 5 hurricane on record in the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the strongest hurricane to develop within the Atlantic’s Main Development Region before the month of July. While some people have moved on from this disaster, others like David Huang, founder and president of Harvest for the Hungry Inc. have not, and continue assisting communities impacted by Beryl.

Harvest for the Hungry Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity. Its mission is to provide healthy, farm-to-table food to those in need through production, education, and research.

The organization received a grant from the American Red Cross through the Hurricane Beryl Bridge Financial Assistance Program. With this funding, Harvest for the Hungry has been able to repair its storage facilities and walk-in refrigerator, helping to prolong the shelf life of the food it grows. They have also added additional greenhouses, allowing crops to be planted earlier and later in the year. This not only ensures access to fresh, nutritious produce year-round but also expands overall production.

“When people live in a food desert, some of their only options are gas stations or stores like Dollar General. To be able to give people good, nutritious food has been a blessing,” says David Huang.

Harvest for the Hungry has helped more than 300 people directly affected by Hurricane Beryl, as well as thousands more within the broader community. With new infrastructure now in place, the organization is better prepared for future disasters.

“It is not a matter of if, but when the next hurricane, drought, or flood occurs. We must be ready to help our community,” says Huang.

If you or someone you know has been affected by Hurricane Beryl, or if you represent an organization that supports individuals whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged, please visit the link below to learn more about the Hurricane Beryl Bridge Financial Assistance Program and see if you qualify:

https://www.redcross.org/about-us/our-work/disaster-relief/hurricane-relief/hurricane-beryl-bridge-financial-assistance.html