IMPORTANT COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENT AND CHANGES TO OUR PROGRAMMING

SPRING 2022

STRONGER COMMUNITIES THROUGH HUNGER RELIEF

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The past two years have been busy! While the number of people served are lower than 2020, 2021 numbers are still nearly 30% higher than pre pandemic numbers. Second Harvest Food Bank anticipates the numbers will not decrease anytime soon and plans to serve between 45,000-50,000 annually from this point forward. Fortunately, during the pandemic, foodbanks received federal and private support to meet the needs of the additional people seeking assistance. Those donations have slowed down, but the elevated need remains.

 

You personally have probably witnessed the rise in the cost of groceries and gas. Second Harvest Food Bank too has experienced the surge in expenses. Due to supply chain issues, transportation cost increases, and demand for product, our expenses to purchase food have increased by over 40%. Inflation also affects how much we receive from food drives and food rescue programs at local groceries. In 2021, our rescued donations were down by over 20%.

 

While trying to manage the costs in procuring food, we continuously pursue ways to improve our programming and follow best practices set by Feeding America, USDA, and nutritional standards. We are securing more fresh produce, canned goods without sodium, and leaner cuts of meat. We understand the importance of not only providing food but providing food that is healthy.

 

We continue to operate in challenging times, but we recognize that we must continue to find ways to provide for our neighbors who face food insecurity. They are depending on Second Harvest Food Bank. If we are feeling these challenges, we know our neighbors are struggling. They too have lost benefits and are experiencing barriers, including access and affordability of healthy food.

 

This year, we have a goal to raise $1 million in corporate, foundation, and private donations to meet the growing need. The funds raised will go directly to serving the community. In 2021, 91% of our expenses were used directly for programming including children’s programming, home delivery, senior support, SNAP outreach, and distributions to name a few. As we navigate this new norm and continue to serve an elevated number of people, we need your support. Please consider being a part of our annual campaign. To learn more, please contact me to give you a tour and discuss the work we are doing at Second Harvest Food Bank.

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Tyra L. Jackson
Executive Director