In a collaborative effort, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is joining the global health care company Abbott and Feeding America, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief charity, to help with preparation for the 2010 hurricane season. This year, FEMA's staff has volunteered to help with pre-positioning of disaster relief packs at the Puerto Rico Food Bank.

Since Puerto Rico is located in the Atlantic hurricane corridor, the Abbott-Feeding America initiative strategically stocks disaster relief packs in food banks located in high-risk areas. This will expedite emergency relief distribution to people affected by hurricanes, in particular, low-income families.

"We are pleased to volunteer and support Abbott and Feeding America's initiatives to be ready and set those vital resources at the Puerto Rico Food Bank. FEMA continues committed to building partnerships and helping them fine-tune their emergency readiness capabilities to successfully address potential challenges after disaster strikes," said Alejandro De La Campa, FEMA's Region II Caribbean Area Division Director.

"We are very grateful for Abbott’s donation and for the volunteer commitment by FEMA's staff. This partnership will allow us to continue serving those who need our help every day and to expand that support to include those newly in need following a hurricane," said Angela Menchaca, Executive Director for Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico. "This collaboration for disaster preparedness is a tangible example of the team approach required by corporate, government, and NGO partners for an effective and coordinated disaster response."

"Abbott is pleased to work together with FEMA and Feeding America to help communities in Puerto Rico to prepare for hurricane season," said Katherine Pickus, divisional vice president, Global Citizenship and Policy, Abbott. "This initiative is designed to get the right nutritional products in the right places "“ before a disaster strikes "“ to empower local food banks to provide a 'first wave' of immediate relief following a hurricane."

Abbott is donating nutritional products to supply a total of 400 disaster relief packs in Puerto Rico. The relief packs can help meet immediate nutritional needs for three days for approximately 1,200 people. They are designed for various family sizes and age ranges, and contain unique nutritional products to meet children's needs. Abbottss donation supplements other local, state and federal government operations to assist disaster survivors in the aftermath of a major storm, floods, earthquake or other emergency in the island.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs approximately 83,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's Web site at www.abbott.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Emergency readiness not only involves the government and the private sector, but individuals and families, as well. FEMA encourages citizens to visit www.ready.gov for information on preparing a family disaster kit, and get ready now.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Abbott

Abbott

About Abbott and the Abbott Fund

The Abbott Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Abbott in 1951. The Abbott Fund's mission is to create healthier global communities by investing in creative ideas that promote science, expand access to health care and strengthen communities worldwide. For more information, visit www.abbottfund.org.

Abbott is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs nearly 90,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries. Abbott's news releases and other information are available on the company's website at www.abbott.com.

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