Nourish America in partnership with the National Foundation of Women Legislators (NFWL) and North Dakota State Representative Bette Grande (R-Fargo) have been providing nutritional products and other supplies for members of the National Guard in the Fargo area who have been assisting with round-the-clock flood relief for weeks. Local law enforcement officials, volunteers and flood victims being serviced by the Red Cross and Salvation Army have received these products as well.

The Red River and surrounding rivers rose to historic levels creating dangerous conditions. In response, the National Guard, local citizens and support agencies initiated vigilant efforts to protect homes and businesses from the possibility of massive floods and damage.

After a call for support to the natural products industry, Nourish America received generous donations of nutritional food, supplements and over the counter medications to aid the health and well-being of the thousands who have participated in this on-going effort. Items include 250,000 nutritional bars from Clif Bar & Company, hundreds of bottles of organic, whole food supplements from New Chapter, 126,000 Coconut Waters from ZICO, 1800 one-pound cans of protein powder from Natural Organics, and thousands of cough medicines, Chapsticks, pain relievers, nasal sprays, and Centrum vitamins from Wyeth Consumer Healthcare.

“We appreciate the rapid assistance we received from Nourish America and the National Foundation for Women Legislators in response to the trying events we have faced over the past few weeks,” says Grande. “It has been a blessing to have good nutritional products and other supplies sent to North Dakota during this time of need. These items from Nourish America and its donors have been gratefully received by a variety of groups across the state who have worked tirelessly during this flooding crisis in sometimes freezing weather.”

All of the donated items were received at the Fargo Armed Forces Reserve Center and the North Dakota National Guard has been distributing the much needed supplies. In one dramatic example, the Guard delivered thousands of ZICO Coconut Waters to the Red Cross shelters in Valley City April 17th when the Red Cross was temporarily unable to provide regular water to thousands of recently evacuated residents.

“ZICO is proud to have the opportunity to work with Nourish America and the Army National Guard to provide nourishing, natural coconut water for the thousands of flood victims and aid workers in North Dakota. The amazing nutrients in coconut water have undoubtedly helped provide the needed energy and nutrition to those who have been involved in this massive effort. We at ZICO wish everyone affected by the flooding the best and want to thank all those who provided such selfless support,” said Mark Rampolla, CEO.

Grande together with the NFWL and Nourish America created a unique coordinated effort to provide life-sustaining provisions to those in need. As weather predictions grew dire just before the Red River crested at record levels last month, Grande began to work with NFWL and Nourish America to coordinate relief efforts. NFWL and Nourish America already had a support plan in place as the two organizations coordinated
disaster relief efforts with elected women in Texas when Hurricane Ike devastated Houston last fall.

“Our elected women are only a cell phone call away at all times,” stated Robin Read, NFWL’s President and CEO. “Thanks to open and frequent lines of communication with Representative Grande, we are able to call on the organizations we partner with all across the nation to support the needs of our legislators’ constituents when crisis arise. Nourish America continuously answers that call from NFWL and our elected women.”

"Nourish America is pleased to partner with Representative Grande and NFWL to support North Dakota communities in their fight to save homes and businesses from overflowing rivers. Good quality nutritional products can be life savers during crisis and trauma. We deeply thank each of our donors for making this relief effort possible," said Michael Morton, Nourish America’s Executive Director.

About Nourish America
Nourish America™ is an award-winning 501 (c) 3 organization committed to improving the health of those in need through nutritional supplements, nourishing foods (including naturals and organics) and health education. Daily, 30,000 children in need, 34,000 low income seniors and 12,000 National Guard men and women throughout America receive nutrition through Nourish America programs.

Through the generosity of our donors, last year Nourish America provided natural products valued at more than $3.5 million including one million dollars in product for Iowa Flood Relief. Nourish America has received high ratings three years in a row for its fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the nation’s leading charity watchdog organization. Independent audits of Nourish America’s finances show that over 96% of all donations go directly to programs and those served. www.nourishamerica.org

About the National Foundation For Women Legislators, Inc. (NFWL)
Through annual educational and networking events, the National Foundation for Women Legislators supports women legislators from all levels of governance. As a non-profit, non-partisan organization, NFWL does not take ideological positions on public policy issues, but rather serves as a forum for women legislators to be empowered through information and experience. www.womenlegislators.org