Melaleuca Responds to American Red Cross Request with Food for Washington State Flood Relief

When the American Red Cross asks for help, Melaleuca responds.

Throughout December 2025, historic flooding across western Washington forced thousands of families from their homes, damaged roads, levees, and infrastructure, and disrupted life in many communities. As rivers overflowed and neighborhoods were impacted, the American Red Cross mobilized to provide food, water, shelter, counseling, and other humanitarian services.

“It was just shocking,” Sarah Hansen told KIRO 7 News, describing the moment she watched her house in Deming, Washington, break off its foundation and float away down the Nooksack River during the catastrophic flooding. She said everything in her yard was suddenly swept away by the rapidly rising water.

Answering a Call for Help

Hansen’s experience is one of many that underscores the dire need across the region. To support the relief efforts, Melaleuca donated 5,000 Riverbend Ranch Beef Sticks to the American Red Cross, who specifically requested high-protein, shelf-stable snacks for victims. The high-protein snacks were shipped in late December and immediately distributed to families in need.

The humanitarian project quickly became a team effort. Members of Melaleuca’s Coaching and Leadership Development team volunteered their time at Melaleuca’s Idaho Falls Distribution Center, boxing the beef sticks so they could be shipped without delay.

“Support from partners like Melaleuca and Riverbend Ranch make a real difference for the people we serve,” said Bryce Sitter with the American Red Cross. “These donations help us meet immediate needs, whether that’s in a shelter or out in the community, and remind people they are not alone during difficult times.”

Providing Support Beyond the Storm

The Riverbend Ranch Beef Sticks were distributed by the American Red Cross to those forced into emergency shelters and through the nonprofit’s mobile response vehicles that travel directly into affected communities. These mobile units often support residents working in place to repair their homes. Law enforcement officers, first responders, and others also rely on the mobile units for a quick snack and drink while serving in the field.

According to the American Red Cross, the nonprofit has assisted more than 1,750 households, providing over 20,000 meals and snacks, 2,300 overnight stays across 30 shelters, and 9,500 relief items.

This effort is just one more example of Melaleuca’s long history working alongside the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Feeding America, Mercy Chefs, and other relief organizations.

Over the years, Melaleuca has supported response efforts by providing food, water and essential products, financial contributions, and volunteer support following emergencies across the country.

Through efforts like this, Melaleuca continues its mission to enhance lives and serve others, especially when communities are facing challenges.