In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc on the East Coast, Jason Nelson, CEO and co-founder of Prepper All-Naturals, and a combat-disabled veteran, stepped up to provide aid to the victims.
Nelson, who served in the civil affairs and psychological operations branch of the military, has a history of humanitarian work. His recent efforts in North Carolina, as reported by Kevin Ryan in The Blaze, underscore his commitment to food independence and localized supply chains.
Nelson embarked on a journey from Waco, Texas, to Asheville, North Carolina, with $60,000 worth of freeze-dried beef, approximately 7,000 portions. He arrived in Asheville at 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, and by 3:00 a.m., he was back on the road after delivering the supplies. With the assistance of a volunteer, Nelson returned home by 11:30 p.m. the same day. He is now coordinating a range of services across Western North Carolina to ensure aid reaches those most in need.
Nelson's actions are not merely about providing food; they represent his larger battle for food independence and localized supply chains. He believes that the current globalized, centralized food chain is flawed and that local food production is not just an economic model but a lifeline. He told Ryan, "The reason Western North Carolina is suffering right now is because they want them to. That's it."
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, thousands were left without power, running water, or food. Nelson, working with local emergency responders, church groups, and community leaders, helped coordinate the distribution of essentials in towns that hadnt seen relief in days. He described the situation as "devastating" but also a reminder of how fragile our system is. He warned, "If were relying on food shipped in from halfway across the world, were putting ourselves at risk.
Nelson's trip to North Carolina was more than a humanitarian mission; it was a manifestation of his conviction and his reasonable indignation. He believes that when a disaster strikes, people cannot rely on distant supply chains. They need food grown close to home, processed by businesses that understand local needs, and distributed without the bureaucratic hurdles that come with large-scale government aid programs.
Nelson's efforts in North Carolina underscore his belief that decentralized, localized supply chains are key to weathering future crises, be they natural disasters or man-made economic disruptions. His donations were not just meals; they were a symbol of self-reliance. He told Ryan, We dont need to rely on anyone else. We have everything we need right here.
Nelson's experience in North Carolina, amid the wreckage of Hurricane Helene, served as both a warning and a lesson: If the country doesnt start paying attention to where its food comes from, it might find itself helpless when the next disaster strikes. He urged, I want you to think about supply chains, and how normal storehouses only have about two weeks' worth of supplies and they constantly depend on this resupply.
Nelson's trip to North Carolina was more than an act of charity. It was a rallying cry for the kind of change he believes will protect Americas future. He believes that local food systems are the only way forward. He warned, Food security is the next target. And when its gone, it wont just be about what we eat itll be about who we are as a nation.
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