General Mills and its Foundation contributed more than $600,000 in cash and products to the American Red Cross for immediate relief efforts from the storms and tornadoes that have swept through eight states in the southeastern U.S.

The disaster relief includes $100,000 from the Foundation, and $50,000 from the company to Feeding America to ship nine truckloads of Big G cereal from California to Alabama.

In addition to the cereal, the Snacks, Brands on the Go and Meals divisions are contributing products to feed both storm victims and volunteer relief workers.

Since March 31, 2011, there have been reports of nearly 900 tornadoes in one month in the southeastern U.S. More than 13,000 homes are estimated to be destroyed or damaged across six states, and more than 25,000 homes have been affected.

These facts, reported by the American Red Cross, also include that on just one night, more than 1,200 people spent the night in shelters set up in 10 states.

“The General Mills Foundation is pleased to make a grant to support the storm-ravaged areas of the southern U.S.,” says Ellen Luger, General Mills vice president and executive director of the General Mills Foundation. “Together, with the product support from our divisions, we are extending our hearts in a tangible way to help those who have been affected.”