Disruptions caused by extreme weather events are set to remain a key risk in 2025. More disruptions mean longer delivery times in food supply chains, higher transportation and logistics costs, and lower productivity and output. The economic risks of climate change to global trade are predicted to be around U.S. $81 billion.
Because of the impact natural or man-made disasters can have on global food supply chains, the Food Shippers of America (FSA) has a long history of giving back to the industry and community at-large. In fact, FSA has donated tens of thousands of dollars to various organizations that can have a direct and positive impact on lives throughout North America and across the globe.
The January 2025 wildfires in southern California have significantly disrupted regional supply chains. While Los Angeles County has long been vulnerable to wildfires due to its dry climate, rugged terrain, and strong seasonal winds, this major wildfire disaster has sparked controversy around government readiness and response efforts locally and at the state level.
These wildfires had notable impacts on the region's food supply chains, affecting various facets from agriculture to distribution and retail. While Southern California is not the primary hub for the state's agriculture, the wildfires have still affected local farming activities. Urban farms experienced significant damage, disrupting local food systems and community-based agricultural initiatives.
Although major warehouses and logistics centers were largely outside the fire zones, the broader disruptions led to challenges in the distribution network. Companies with operations in the region faced operational difficulties due to poor air quality, mandatory evacuations, and damaged infrastructure – resulting in delivery delays and a decline in sales, particularly in affected regions.
Of course the devastating fires also left more than 75,000 homeless and has exacerbated an already existing housing crisis. FSA is supporting local communities in Los Angeles County by donating to West Side Food Bank (a central hub that distributes food to 60 partner agencies in the region) and World Central Kitchen (a non-profit, non-government organization that provides food relief also to this devastated region).
Each year for the past several years, FSA has supported the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), which saves lives and reduces suffering for disaster survivors in the United States and internationally by engaging industry to supplement non-profit organizations’ logistics capabilities. ALAN serves by coordinating logistics, providing education, and building cross-sector relationships before, during, and after disasters.
ALAN has mobilized resources and provided significant support to those impacted by a number of recent disasters, including the devastating wildfires in southern California; and Hurricane Helene in Florida’s Big Ben, western North Carolina, and other parts of the Southeast.
Approximately 47 million people face hunger in the United States each day—including nearly 14 million children. Hunger knows no boundaries; it touches every U.S. community, including yours.
With this challenge in mind, FSA donates significant amounts of money to two charities that fight hunger.
FSA has routinely donated each year to Feeding America, which is the largest charity working to end hunger in the United States. Feeding America partners with food banks, food pantries, and local food programs to bring food to people facing hunger throughout the country.
FSA also donated a significant amount this year to FIND Food Bank. This regional food bank serves over 5,000 square miles in southern California. FIND is dedicated to mobilizing the resources of our community through education and awareness to relieve hunger, the causes of hunger, and the problems associated with hunger. FIND provides food to a network of 140-plus other non-profit community agencies including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, after-school programs, and homeless shelters.
FIND also manages USDA Commodities for The Emergency Food Assistance Programs in the desert region. Through these affiliations, FIND represents the desert communities in southern California at the Regional, State and National levels to advocate for the most vulnerable populations who suffer from food insecurity.
Now more than ever, professionals consume info on the go. Distributed twice monthly, our "Food For Thought" e-newsletter allows readers to stay informed about timely and relevant industry topics and FSA news whether they're in the office or on the road. Topics range from capacity, rates and supply chain disruption to multimodal transportation strategy, leveraging technology, and talent management and retention. Learn More