New London flooding, April 17, 2026. PC: Fox 11 Online
NEW LONDON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — New London is beginning to pick up the pieces after severe flooding damaged homes and businesses.
To help ease the burden on impacted residents, Tyson Foods opened a drive-thru at its New London location, offering free meals for those in need.
“We can serve up to 10,000 meals a day. However, I don’t think that it would be quite that heavy of a load because the population is not that high, but we are prepared for that if need be,” said Buffy Carter, senior manager of Meals that Matter at Tyson Foods.
The steady-running assembly line of hot dogs Monday was just the first of three days for Tyson’s free meal program. Officials said it’s only expected to get bigger. Visitors picking up the free meals said this is one less thing to worry about.
“I really appreciate it. People are down on their luck right now, especially when they don’t have the gas and stuff turned on,” Steve Christian said.
John Defferding was able to avoid damage from the flooding.
“Everything is going good. The community came together very good, and this is great that they’re doing this for everybody,” he said.
A re-entry date for residents in evacuated areas has not yet been determined. Roads in and out of town are still closed. New London leaders said roads won’t reopen until the floodwater reaches the level it was at when the roads initially closed. According to the city’s forecast, that won’t be until Friday.
The city also recommends keeping sandbags in place until forecasted rain Thursday.
Residents like Christian are continuing to put in the work and assisting their neighbors in the meantime.
“A couple of friends that are right on down by the river in the 5th ward are having a pretty hard time,” he said. “But I hear the water is receding and I’ll be able to get down there.”
“I think everybody is going to help each other out. Still a lot of work to do,” Defferding added. “With insurance companies and everything, hopefully they can come through the town and take care of everything.”
Through food or sandbagging, New Londoners are dedicated to helping each other get through this tough time.
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