When Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee opened its doors in 1978, its founders were hoping to solve a big societal problem with a little bit of ingenuity.
Modeled after the first food bank, founded in Phoenix, Ariz., in 1967, the idea was to “rescue” surplus food from grocery stores, farms, restaurants and manufacturers, and get it into the hands of people facing hunger. Forty-six years later, Second Harvest is one of the largest food banks in the country, and its mission is more important than ever.
Food insecurity is rising at unprecedented rates, said Second Harvest’s media and communications manager Pearce Barringer, adding that 50,000 more Tennesseeans are facing hunger this year than last. More than half of people struggling to afford food in the region earn too much to qualify for SNAP benefits, even as the cost of food, housing and other necessities has increased sharply in the last few years.
During COVID, Barringer said, Second Harvest met a woman named Bette, who had been hospitalized for starvation after forgoing food in order to pay her rent. Now that she has stable access to food, Barringer said, Bette is empowered to lead the life she wants to live.
“Our efforts go beyond just food,” Barringer said. “The most special moments we have at Second Harvest are when we see our neighbors thrive.”
During FY23, Second Harvest distributed 42 million pounds of food – nearly 39 million meals – to more than 400 food pantries, homeless shelters, senior centers, group homes, after-school programs and other partner agencies.
An army of volunteers help receive, inspect and sort food at Second Harvest’s three warehouses, but monetary donations are how the organization is able to safely store and divert the food to people who need it.
According to a recent study by Feeding America, the average meal for a person facing food insecurity in Middle and West Tennessee costs $3.99. By comparison, a donation of $1 to Second Harvest provides four meals, Barringer said. A $1,000 donation can help feed a family of four for almost a year.
For more information or to donate, visit www.secondharvestmidtn.org.
