As we celebrate Earth Day, it’s crucial to recognize the environmental heroes who are making a difference. Food banks around the world are playing an unexpected but vital role in protecting our planet. By redirecting potential waste to those in need, food banks, like Second Harvest, contribute to a more sustainable world. Second Harvest is transforming the issue of excess into opportunity.  Food Waste and Landfills   Every year, millions of tons of food are discarded, often ending up in landfills where they contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. This Earth Day, we ..read more

Did you know that when Second Harvest started 46 years ago, we were almost entirely comprised of volunteers? Our journey began in 1978, driven by the vision of a few compassionate individuals who recognized the urgent need to address hunger in Middle Tennessee. In those early days, our operations were small, but the dedication and passion of our initial volunteers set a strong foundation for growth and community engagement. Their tireless work in sorting, packing, and distributing food created the first ripples of change that would expand far beyond their expectations.  As we expanded ou ..read more

What better way to celebrate the growth and renewal of Spring than to take part in the art of gardening? There’s no better time to get started, because April is National Garden Month, a time where communities across the nation are invited to join in and honor the rich tradition of gardening – whether it’s in our own backyards, schoolyards, or within the wider community. At Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, we recognize the importance of cultivating gardens not only for personal enjoyment but also for their significant contributions to sustainability and fighting hunger. As an integ ..read more

As the world commemorates World Health Day 2024, one phrase is top of mind: my health, my right. The theme for this year’s annual health celebration emphasizes that access to a healthy life is a fundamental human right. Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee stands firm in our dedication to ensure that every individual has the opportunity to exercise their right to a healthy life. In a time when access to nutritious food is often unequal, Second Harvest is pioneering efforts to empower communities facing food insecurity to take control of their health through nutritious food op ..read more

In April, people come together for Celebrate Diversity Month, an annual observance dedicated to acknowledging and honoring the vibrant diversity that enriches communities everywhere. In Middle and West Tennessee, diverse cultures and backgrounds define our community. At Second Harvest, we embrace this diversity and actively support initiatives to celebrate and uplift it.  Food is one of the primary ways people celebrate and practice their cultures. A meal can be a lens into a community’s traditions, history, and values, fostering connection and understanding among individuals. A meal can ..read more

During Volunteer Appreciation Month in April, people come together to spread joy and help others. It’s a time to celebrate how even the smallest acts of kindness can create positive change in the world.  Volunteer Appreciation Month has a rich history dating back decades. It began as a way to recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers across the United States. Over time, it has grown into a month-long observance dedicated to promoting volunteerism and community service. At Second Harvest, Volunteer Appreciation Month highlights the importance of volunteering in ..read more

Women’s History Month is a special time here at Second Harvest for more reasons than we can count, but one of those reasons shines particularly bright: our Leadership Team is comprised entirely of women. The five women steering Second Harvest have been instrumental in driving social change and advocating for a more equitable Middle and West Tennessee. “At Second Harvest, our Leadership Team is proud to carry on the legacy of trailblazing women who have paved the way for progress in our society,” Nancy Keil, our President and CEO, affirms. “This month serves as a reminder of the importance of r ..read more

The post Irresistible Peanut Butter Yogurt Fruit Dip: A Perfect Snack for Nutrition Month! appeared first on Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee ..read more

This March is a special Nutrition Month for Second Harvest, since we are also celebrating our 46th Anniversary. We’re proud to reflect on how we’ve contributed to a healthier Middle and West Tennessee over the past four decades. While pantry staples and canned goods are vital, we understand the importance of offering healthier options for a balanced diet. Second Harvest has made significant strides in ensuring everyone in our 46-county service area has access to nutritious food. Our initiative, Project Preserve, plays a crucial role in this effort. Unlike popular belief, food banks like Second ..read more

Volunteers come to Second Harvest with the intention to fight hunger for more reasons than we can count. Some are here to help rebuild their communities, some come to give back after receiving help themselves, and some come to celebrate the resilience and strength of women throughout history. Women’s History Month is an important time for Susan, a longtime volunteer at Second Harvest. Susan gives her time to Second Harvest twice a week to fight hunger and celebrate women’s history in a unique way.  Susan hasn’t always understood the place that women hold in the history of the fight agains ..read more