Yes, you’re using a food bank, but it’s the same food that I would go buy at the store - not just the rejected cans out of someone’s pantry. “We want to put as much humanity back into food as we can. Second Harvest wants to change that by building close relationships with everyone who enters - and by offering the same kind of food they would have bought in a grocery store. Too often, people enter a food bank feeling a sense of shame. That’s the goal.” This program allows the food bank to distribute fresh food to families in need and help reduce food waste.įor the team at Second Harvest, the goal isn’t just to feed families: it’s also to treat people with dignity. “We’ve got about 7-10 guys on the road at all times,” recounts Madison, “They leave the warehouse with an empty truck and they come back with an empty truck. These items are then distributed directly to families through the food bank’s Food Rescue Program. ![]() Food bank employees also drive refrigerated vans to grocery stores and restaurants throughout town to collect fresh foods (like produce) that are deemed “too ugly” or otherwise not fit for sale. Shelf-stable items are taken to Second Harvest’s warehouse where they’re sorted and distributed to the organization’s partner agencies: a network of over 550 food pantries, shelters, and churches. Stores like Publix donate both funds and unsold food. Still, local grocery stores and corporate sponsors provide most of the food bank’s resources. With those discounts, each dollar donated can provide up to three meals for someone in need! Physical donations of food are always welcome, but money is the best way for an individual to support Second Harvest since the food bank can buy food at lower-than-retail prices. Like most food banks, Second Harvest takes in donations from both individuals and local companies. ![]() Second Harvest Food Banks exists to change those statistics, and that has started by building relationships within the communities. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent economic downturn, food insecurity and hunger have only become more widespread. Even more worrisomely, one out of every five children in this region was considered at-risk for hunger. Before the pandemic began, experts estimated that over 160,000 people were going hungry in East Tennessee alone. The team at Second Harvest Food Bank in East Tennessee is particularly passionate about what they do, and with good reason. Through these coordinated efforts, Second Harvest serves over one million meals every month. Each region has its own system, working with local partners to meet the needs of families in nearly every county in the state. Since its 1982 founding, Second Harvest Food Bank has become a recognized member of Feeding America & part of the Tennessee food bank network, plus established food distribution sites in 18 counties throughout East Tennessee. To donate on DYD Wednesday, visit and click on the Double Your Donation banner at the top of the page.“It was a kind of ‘mom and pop’ type of place: just a group trying to get food out to their neighbors in need.” That’s how Madison Harmon, community outreach coordinator for Second Harvest Food Bank, describes the organization’s early days. All donations made over the phone, in person or online will be doubled by corporate and anonymous contributors. ![]() 11 will be matched up to $300,000 by several corporate, individual and anonymous contributors.ĭonations of $20 or more, given in person at the food bank, will receive a free 2019 Double Your Donation Day T-shirt while supplies last. Double Your Donation, or “DYD,” is a one-day telethon and day-of-giving benefitting Second Harvest. 11, starting at 6 a.m., Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee will host the annual Double Your Donation Day at the food bank. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is hosting its annual “Double Your Donation Day” this week featuring telethons with multiple media outlets. ![]() (WATE) – It’s the season for giving back – and there’s one way you can double the impact of a gift to help those in need.Įlaine Streno with Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee stopped by the WATE 6 On Your Side studios to share more about Wednesday’s “Double Your Donation Day.”
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