Help Isom IGA Recover after Historic Flooding

Hello all, my name is John Ross, and I am the CEO of the Independent Grocers Alliance. One of our independent store members, Isom IGA, was among the hardest hit during the recent historic flooding that began in eastern Kentucky on July 28. 

It’s a scene of unimaginable disaster. This proud rural community of 1,365 people in Letcher County saw homes destroyed, local businesses filled with mud and debris, and the only grocery store for miles around, Isom IGA, was left devastated after being submerged under six feet of muddy water. The people of Isom lost not only their homes, belongings, and livelihoods, but also their access to fresh food and water. 

But as of Monday, August 1, cleanup had begun. While store owner Gwen Christon is still in shock, the people of Isom are rallying behind her to rebuild and restore the store that sits at the physical and figurative heart of the community. 

Isom IGA is a valued member of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) and IGA USA wants to do what we can to help Gwen and her team find a path forward. Today, I am asking for donations to help the community, associates, and the store recover from one of the worst natural disasters the state has ever seen. 

Building costs are expected to be astronomical, and we will move the fundraising goal as we learn more about funds available through recovery relief. 

 -John Ross, Independent Grocers Alliance, CEO