Uncovering the hidden impacts of a hurricane on food supply

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton struck in 2024, the storms not only left behind a trail of destruction but also exposed an often-overlooked challenge for local emergency responders: How hurricanes can disrupt the food system and make it harder for residents to access it when they need it most.

In partnership with Hillsborough County, Elizabeth Dunn, an instructor in the USF College of Public Health specializing in emergency management, led a new study examining how local food system partners navigated storm-related challenges, including mass feeding, disaster coordination and ensuring food access to affected communities.

As part of the project, Dunn interviewed stakeholders representing community partners in emergency management, government, nonprofit organizations, agriculture, food distribution, health care and faith-based organizations. She found that disaster food security depends less on having enough food itself and more on having resilient systems, trusted partnerships, reliable infrastructure and clear communication to distribute it to residents.

"The biggest vulnerability during a disaster isn't the availability of food, it is the systems that store, transport, communicate about and distribute food," Dunn said.

Dunn discusses what hurricanes can reveal about humanitarian food supply chains and how residents can better prepare for incoming storms.

Why should we be thinking about food systems in preparation for hurricane season?

Many organizations involved in our community food system operate in a constant state of emergency, but instead of operating in silos, we should strengthen coordination and function as an integrated team before, during and after disasters. Making sure individuals and organizations understand their roles and how they will be supporting food access during the disaster response is essential to reducing duplication of effort and maximizing available resources.

It's essential to establish strong relationships and clear lines of communication before disasters occur so that partnering organizations can rapidly share information, coordinate resources and support each other when the critical moment comes. Ultimately, those pre-existing relationships will enable a more efficient and equitable response that accelerates both response and recovery efforts.

How do hurricanes impact food systems?

Historically, the greatest food system challenges occur in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane. During this period, organizations are focused on restoring operations, reestablishing supply chains and reaching affected communities.

Widespread power outages and damage to critical infrastructure can limit access to food. Transportation and fuel disruptions further complicate distribution efforts. Many residents also face challenges storing, preparing or cooking food when electricity, refrigeration and kitchen facilities are unavailable.

To address these conditions, food system partners must adapt quickly. The focus shifts to providing safe, nutritious meals that can be consumed even when basic household resources are disrupted. Lessons learned from Hurricanes Helene and Milton reinforced the importance of preparation before a disaster occurs. Resilient food systems depend on pre-established partnerships and coordinated planning, supported by clear communication among emergency response partners. These collaborative relationships enable communities to rapidly identify unmet needs and allocate resources more efficiently to the populations most affected by the storm.

How can residents better prepare for an incoming storm without wiping out store shelves?

Residents can help reduce panic buying by preparing early - well before a storm is forecast. Maintaining a rotating supply of nonperishable food, water, medications and other essential items throughout hurricane season allows households to secure the resources they need if supply chains are disrupted. Early, incremental preparedness reduces the need for last-minute shopping trips and helps ease demand on local stores.

What are the biggest barriers to accessing food for residents in the aftermath?

One of the greatest challenges is ensuring that food reaches the people who need it most. This requires careful logistical planning to identify areas with the greatest need and to reach communities isolated by flooding or debris. Supporting homebound populations with limited mobility and ensuring sure people know where to go for help are also critical.

Those most at risk of food insecurity during an emergency situation are generally the same populations that face barriers to accessing food during normal times: Older adults, homebound individuals, people with disabilities, single-parent households with small children, families with limited financial resources and individuals without reliable transportation. I've also found that language barriers and a lack of timely, trusted information can delay people from seeking help, meaning some households go without food even when resources are available.

How long does it take for the food supply to stabilize after a hurricane?

Recovery timelines depend on the severity of the storm and the extent of damage to infrastructure, utilities and supply chains. After a storm passes, grocery stores may take several days to restore power, receive deliveries, restock shelves and resume normal operations. After catastrophic events causing widespread destruction, however, it may take months or even years to rebuild and return to normal operations.

Communities that live in areas with few food access points to begin with, commonly known as food deserts, are often disproportionately affected, as disruptions can further reduce food availability. These challenges underscore how important it is that households have a plan for circumstances when normal food access and transportation systems are disrupted.

Why is strengthening the local food system important for disaster response?

A strong local food system helps ensure residents can access safe, nutritious food before, during and after a storm, supporting both physical recovery and overall emotional well-being. Access to nutritious food can help families stay healthy and recover more quickly in the aftermath of a storm.

Strong partnerships among agriculture, food retailers, distributors, emergency managers, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, local businesses and community leaders are vital. These partnerships reduce duplication of effort and enable resources to efficiently reach those in need.

Investing in preparedness, strengthening local networks and improving collaboration before a disaster occurs can reduce gaps between food supply and community needs, helping communities become more proactive rather than reactive when disasters strike.