Organic Valley: Serving Union Beach After Sandy 'Rewarding'

Just six months after Superstorm Sandy struck the region, Organic Valley, a farmer cooperative based out of Wisconsin that dedicated its time and resources to help Union Beach rebuild, sustained severe damage to its offices due to a fire.

In June, Organic Valley was recognized by Monmouth County’s Board of Chosen Freeholders, an honor that was “exciting” in the midst of a trying time, owner George Siemon said.

“People are giving back,” he said, which is “equally rewarding” as helping others.

“This company did a lot in Union Beach,” Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso said. “We thought it would be a nice thing to recognize them from Monmouth County for all the great things they did for one of our own in Union Beach, and give them a little boost of happiness that it did not go unnoticed.”

Organic Valley is America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers. Organized in 1988, the cooperative represents 1,834 farmers in 35 states, including Pennsylvania, New York and Maryland.

The mission of Organic Valley was always to save family farms through organic farming but over time, the cooperative developed a second purpose.

Organic Valley began coordinating volunteer efforts following natural disasters 10 years ago with the destruction of a tornado. The farmer cooperative, which sets up relief kitchens, also responded after Hurricane Katrina.

“That was a really big experience,” Siemon said. “It kind of became who we are. We’re part of giving back to the community.”

With a broker a part of a local emergency program, Organic Valley set up a relief kitchen in Union Beach. Volunteers helped with food, equipment and vehicles as well as getting donations and money.

“When you have a disaster like this, it’s not just feeding the people cleaning up,” Siemon said. Volunteers feed the homeless, provide resources and an ear to listen, ultimately creating a community center.

“It was very impressive, the community engagement,” he said of Union Beach.

Organic Valley stayed in Union Beach for approximately six weeks, donating approximately $97,300 in the form of food, equipment, trucking, and people-power. 

When Siemon was driving to the Jersey Shore, he didn’t see much damage. But that quickly changed.

“Then you drop down into the flood plane. It’s amazing how much damage there was,” he said.

Siemon saw piles of furniture, televisions and trash in front yards.

“It really strikes you, what a change it is for this neighborhood,” he said. “It will never be the same.”

He heard stories of people sleeping in their cars.

“They were grateful to have a place to come and have help and people to talk to,” he said.

Organic Valley volunteers set up a large-scale kitchen in outside tents, serving organic food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They fed approximately 1,000 people per day and had vehicles delivering foot to neighborhoods.

“It’s so rewarding to see how people work together. It’s just amazing to see the camaraderie,” he said.

Organic Valley was “fantastic,” Union Beach Mayor Paul Smith said.

“I think the people of Union Beach might have eaten better than they ever have before,” he said.

The volunteers cracked 15 dozen eggs every morning and served organic beef, orange juice and more, he said.

“But more than just that, this company shows the direction that we really need to go,” he said. “With these natural disasters striking more and more, I think we need to get back to that sense of humanity.”

While it will take more than a year for Organic Valley to rebuild its headquarters, the farmer cooperative is now reaping the benefits of its own volunteerism, receiving help during its time of need.

“I didn’t realize how many disasters there are in the world,” Siemon said. “You hear a lot about FEMA but it’s really the volunteers who come in and do the work. It’s just really rewarding.”