In a collaborative effort to support local relief agencies recovering from Hurricane Helene, nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals were recently distributed by the National Nuclear Security Administration, U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.
Office of Environmental Management
October 29, 2024
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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Central Warehousing Manager Donald Smalls, right, meets North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams, left, after delivering over 30,000 ready-to-eat meals from the Savannah River Site to support hurricane relief efforts.
AIKEN, S.C. — In a collaborative effort to support local relief agencies recovering from Hurricane Helene, nearly 40,000 ready-to-eat meals were recently distributed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), U.S. Department of Energy-Savannah River (DOE-SR) and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS).
As part of its continuity of operations plan, the Savannah River Site (SRS) maintains a stock of the meals to ensure essential operations during emergencies.
The meals were originally purchased as a contingency to sustain operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. If not used, they would expire in January, according to Michael Mikolanis, manager, NNSA-Savannah River Field Office.
“This was a great win-win to support our local community by providing more than 39,000 meals to agencies and first responders working Hurricane Helene recovery,” he said.
Tammy Rimes, SRNS senior director of Supply Chain Operations and Programs, said it was remarkable to see team members come together to successfully navigate the crisis and execute delivery of the meals within 24 hours.
“The process of preparing, loading and transporting the meals to each agency was truly inspiring,” she said.
Ready-to-eat meals prepared for transport to community relief agencies.
Recipients of the meals included the North Augusta Community Center, Aiken Regional Medical Center, Augusta University, Wellstar MCG, Georgia East Central Public Health District, Burke County Emergency Management, South Carolina Fire Academy and Allendale Emergency Management.
“The leadership displayed across NNSA, DOE-SR, and SRNS is unmatched and essential to the success of SRS. We recognize that our employees and community are still recovering from the devastating impacts of Helene,” said Mike Budney, manager, DOE-Savannah River Operations Office. “This is more than just a meal; it reflects our commitment to uplift those affected, and further support the brave first responders working tirelessly to help.”
In addition, SRNS contributed $50,000 to the American Red Cross of Central South Carolina and East Central Georgia for storm recovery relief efforts.
The Savannah River Site Fire Department's David Satterwhite, left, and Camden Stanley load ready-to-eat meals for delivery to Allendale County Emergency Management.
“Our hearts are with those impacted by this storm,” said Dennis Carr, SRNS president and CEO. “By supporting our local American Red Cross branches, SRNS is helping our neighbors rebuild and recover quickly from this disaster. Together, we can turn this challenge into a renewed strength for our community.”
Susan Landreth-Everitt, executive director for the East Central Georgia chapter of the American Red Cross, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from SRNS.
“Nearly 1,900 American Red Cross responders are actively assisting communities across the Southeast as they come to grips with the extensive losses caused by Hurricane Helene,” said Landreth-Everitt. “Our work is far from over. With SRNS’ generous donation, we will be there to support those in need as they recover in the weeks and months to come.”
-Contributor: Mackenzie McNabb
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