A recent visit to Forward Market, a partner pantry in Knox County, sparked a conversation with Jessica, the founder, about the history of the pantry and the way it operates. “One Thanksgiving I felt called that people are hungry more than the holidays, and we should be feeding them more often, so that’s how Forward Market was birthed,” she says. Read more from our interview with Jessica. The post Agency Visit Interview: Forward Market appeared first on Second Harvest Food Bank ..read more

“In a world where many of us are removed from the sources of our food, our local farmers’ work stands as a vital link between the land and our tables,” says our Director of Development, Rachael Ellis. That’s why over the past several months, Second Harvest visited the 4 Tennessee farms of our newly instated Farm Advisors. We're thrilled to be sharing all we’ve learned, seen, heard, and even tasted from each of these farm visits with the community! The post Farm Week appeared first on Second Harvest Food Bank ..read more

Happy Hunger Action Month! Want to be a Hunger Action Hero this September by following a recipe for yourself or your family? As we highlight the importance of shelf-stable proteins this H.A.M., we’ve got two unique and tasty options from our Nutritionist to choose from: Noodles with Peanut Butter Sauce and Veggie Loaded Tuna Salad! The post Recipes for Hunger Action Month appeared first on Second Harvest Food Bank ..read more

Juanita at Wesley House, a partner pantry utilizing client choice, shares that our Food Rescue truck deliveries provide cold food, meats, and other items that the pantry couldn’t otherwise afford. “I want whoever’s donating to know they’re just as important as I am. Every one of us is a puzzle [piece], and we have to fit together to make it work,” she says ..read more

This month, Second Harvest would like to educate and bring awareness to the benefits and importance of a term in food banking known as “Client Choice,” as it relates to one way our partner agencies serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity in East Tennessee.    Defining Client Choice    The “Client Choice” model is one in which a food pantry offers community members the ability to shop and make decisions about what they receive, as opposed to distributing pre-boxed or bagged items.    A Message to our Partner Pantries    Second Harvest Food Bank ..read more

March is the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ National Nutrition Month® campaign. The theme for 2024 is “Beyond the Table.” Throughout this month, we’ll be exploring how the food we eat can nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits in an environmentally sustainable and budget-friendly way. Check out these tips for thinking “beyond the table” for National Nutrition Month® this year.  Week 1: Stay nourished and save money.   Make food at home. Learning how to plan and prepare meals can give you more freedom to make foods you and your family enjoy. You don’t even have to make food f ..read more

Did you know that February is National Canned Food Month?  The charitable food system often distributes canned food, along with other shelf-stable food items. At Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, we provide the community with a variety of foods, from fresh to frozen to canned.    There are some stigmas around canned food items, like the belief that it is “unhealthy” in comparison to fresh or frozen foods. While fresh and frozen produce, proteins, and dairy might be what you choose for you and your family, Second Harvest is here to break the stigma behind canned foods ..read more

Happy New Year from Second Harvest! We hope your last few weeks have been safe and restful. As the first month of the year unfolds, things are already moving quickly — at least around here! Partner agencies are opening back up from the holidays, spring event planning is in full swing, and our new website launched just before Christmas.    Looking Forward with Intention   Amidst the hustle and bustle of accomplishing New Year’s resolutions and re-establishing routines, we want to encourage you to take this month not as a time to sprint full-speed ahead, but rather to slow down a ..read more

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee’s biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner! Double Your Donation Day is coming up on December 7th, and from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., every gift made will be doubled — meaning you have a chance to make your impact go twice as far. At Second Harvest, $1 typically provides 3 meals, but on DYD, $1 provides 6 entire meals for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity in East Tennessee. We hope you’ll join us in giving back on this exciting day! What Makes This Year Different The USDA’s Economic Research Service recently released i ..read more

The leaves are changing colors, meals are being shared, and we’ve noticed a renewed sense of togetherness as the year draws to a close. Here at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, this time of year also means reflecting on our blessings. This November, all of us at Second Harvest would like to extend a warm thank you to this community. The food bank model is an intricate web of volunteers, food recipients, donors, food growers and farmers, community partners, grantmakers, and many more, and we couldn’t do what we do without this network of supporters. We’re filled with gratitude this g ..read more