In the event of a Bay Area catastrophe, survivors will need to eat. Widespread failure of the electrical grid, disruption of transportation networks, reduced availability of fuel and other challenges will complicate, delay, and potentially diminish preexisting flows of groceries into the Bay Area. Given millions of survivors and a potentially very long-term recovery calendar, expediting restoration – and potential redirection – of these flows will be essential.

Unless private sector volume and velocity of grocery distribution is quickly reestablished, the population’s demand for food will soon exceed the ability of the public sector to respond and gap-fill. The longer supply remains insufficient – or simply uncertain – the more the population will hoard available supply, deepening and extending disruption of the grocery supply chain. Speedy restoration of flow is a strategic necessity to save lives and support overall response and recovery.

This report’s core recommendation is for both private and public sectors to begin a process of sustained engagement that can over time create the mutual understanding and trust that will serve as a foundation for practical strategic and operational progress. Identifying a party or parties that will proactively facilitate this process is a crucial first step.

Read Findings and Strategic Recommendations Report 

For more information on this FY18 UASI project, contact Amy.Ramirez@sfgov.org