How Lineage Mobilizes in Times of Crisis to Safeguard the Cold Chain

Natural disasters strike without warning, creating urgent and overwhelming needs in communities around the world. At Lineage, our team members respond instinctively and proactively—not because it’s required, but because it's who we are. We understand the criticality of the cold chain infrastructure during times of crises, and how big an impact it has on the everyday lives of people around the world. Our response to crises stems directly from our culture of responsibility, compassion and a sense of servant leadership.

When Disaster Strikes, Team Lineage Steps Up

At Lineage, an ownership mindset is ingrained in every action we take. We foster an environment where team members at every level feel empowered to proactively take initiative, especially when faced with urgent challenges. This mentality stems from the space we operate in, where supply chain challenges and disruptions can happen frequently, and without warning. But this culture of proactivity prepares us for so much more.  

Disaster response naturally aligns with our daily mission to support communities by ensuring people have access to safe, nutritious food. Whether mobilizing donations, securing operations, repairing and protecting food supply chains or personally delivering aid, our teams consistently rise to the occasion with urgency and compassion. This isn't about policy; it's about our shared commitment to making a difference and offering support where it’s needed the most.

Lineage Team Members Respond to Real-World Crises

Protecting Our People: Cyclone Gabrielle in New Zealand  

In 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle inflicted massive damage on Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, devastating infrastructure and severely disrupting daily life. Lineage team members immediately activated. They quickly secured facilities by sealing freezer doors to maintain critical food temperatures and protect inventory. Recognizing the importance of communication, they kept crucial IT systems operational using backup generators. Demonstrating remarkable commitment, some team members even stayed on-site overnight to closely monitor conditions and help ensure everyone's safety.

Feeding Communities: Southeast U.S. Hurricanes

When Hurricanes Helene and Milton hit the Southeastern United States in late 2024, they left swathes of damage in their wake and sparked immediate food and supply shortages. Lineage team members in Albany, Georgia, stepped up without hesitation. Taking personal responsibility, they organized and transported essential supplies—food, water and other necessities—directly to the American Red Cross for distribution to families and emergency workers. In addition to these grassroots efforts, the Lineage Foundation for Good also provided financial support through a $25,000 donation to World Central Kitchen, significantly increasing our impact. These combined efforts enabled Lineage to help deliver the equivalent of over 255,000 meals, demonstrating how our culture of servant leadership and compassion, supported by organizational strength, can have a big impact on communities in crisis.

Collaborating in Crisis: LA Wildfires with Lamb Weston

During the destructive Los Angeles wildfires of 2025, Lineage and customer Lamb Weston worked closely together to deliver immediate relief to the affected communities. Lamb Weston quickly made a generous donation of nearly 35,000lbs of food, working with Lineage teams to coordinate the logistics.  

“In moments like the Los Angeles wildfires, quick action and trusted partnerships make a big impact. Together with Lineage, we were able to quickly and meaningfully support those affected.” – Michael Venti, Director, Procurement,  Lamb Weston

The Lineage Foundation for Good proactively managed and covered the cost of transportation from our facility in Richland, Washington, to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. This successful partnership highlighted our shared values—integrity, teamwork and empowerment—and showcased how collaboration creates a powerful and efficient crisis response.

Global Solidarity: Response to the Ukraine Crisis

When conflict erupted in Ukraine in 2022, Lineage's culture propelled swift, significant action. The Lineage Foundation for Good immediately provided $50,000 in direct financial assistance to trusted humanitarian organizations such as Polish Humanitarian Action and the Global Foodbanking Network. Lineage initiated a matching campaign, encouraging grass roots contributions from team members, customers and partners, ultimately raising up to $250,000 in total support. Lineage prioritized our European team members directly impacted by the crisis. With support through financial aid, emergency relief funds and paid leave, Lineage supported team members affected by the conflict across Europe. These initiatives were rooted in our deeply held commitment to global citizenship, servant leadership and genuine compassion.

No Matter What We’re Up Against, Lineage is Proud to Help Feed the World

At Lineage, quickly and effectively responding to disasters, both natural and man-made, reflects our core-deep culture of team member ownership, collaboration and service. We empower our team members and customers to take action wherever and whenever necessary, securing the cold chain and connecting people with the food they need.

Our team members consistently show up, helping secure and deliver food to those in need while making sure the cold chain continues operating in the background. As we face a future of unpredictability, one constant remains clear: whenever disaster strikes, Lineage is ready to step up, lend a hand and safeguard the cold chain.