FEEDING COMMUNITY

At Second Harvest, we believe EVERYONE DESERVES TO EAT.

Our work focuses on addressing the immediate need for food assistance, as well as the root causes of food insecurity and poverty.

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Food for Today

Second Harvest is proud to serve 18 Northwest North Carolina counties as a vital source of food and support services for 430+ local food assistance programs.
 

The 42+ million meals that we and our on-the-ground partners provide each year are vital source of nutrition for food insecure families.

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Hope for Tomorrow

The future we envision is one where hunger is a thing of the past.

The work we do every day to connect issues of food insecurity, health, poverty, and opportunity improves the lives of families and supports the health and vibrancy of our communities.

We know that no one organization or individual, alone, can address issues of hunger and poverty. But together, we can.

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Join Our Community

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 We all have a role to play in solving hunger, from the private sector to the public sector to individuals like you.

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FEEDING FAMILIES

The core of what we do? We get food to people who need it.

ABOUT US

Second Harvest serves as the major source of food for a network of over 430 partners throughout 18 counties of Northwest North Carolina. 
 

These partners include community food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. In addition, we partner in communities to provide:

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• Health clinic-based food pantries.

• School-based pantries and weekend backpack programs for children.

• Hot, nutritious meals for children, seniors, and adults with disabilities living in low-income households.

• Direct to family distributions of fresh produce and other nutritious foods.

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FEEDING HEALTH

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Poor Nutrition Can Lead to Poor Health

When people struggle with making their food dollar stretch further, they may have to sacrifice quality or variety or even skip meals to make ends meet.

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The results can be devastating, with increased risk of: 

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• Obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer

• Trouble in school for children and teens

• Increased stress and poor mental health
   

Second Harvest's Nutrition Services team uses a variety of approaches to support the health and wellness of individuals of all ages. We help families gain skills, knowledge, confidence, and resources to maximize their food resources for healthier eating.

From nutrition workshops to cooking courses to food demonstrations and tastings to providing assistance to families in applying for federal nutrition programs, Second Harvest uses a wide range of evidence-based practices. 

Farm Fresh - an expanding initiative that increases access to healthy foods and education for food-insecure families while providing much-needed income for small-scale growers.

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FEEDING OPPORTUNITY

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Connecting local residents to family-supporting careers

Our 13-week, Providence Culinary Training program provides individuals with a pathway to family-sustaining careers in the foodservice and hospitality industries. Our two non-profit restaurants and our catering company operate as social enterprises and provide graduates with extended training and resume building experience. 

FEEDING INNOVATION

Collaboration and technology drive new solutions.

It will take all of us, working together, to find and build solutions to food insecurity.

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From the data-driven and community-led Imagine Forsyth collaborative, to small-town focus groups and large-scale coordination with health care systems, Second Harvest works to bring together community members and leaders to make impactful change in all areas of health, food access, and poverty. 

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DISASTER RESPONSE

As part of the Feeding America network, we stand prepared. 

Preparedness 

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As members of the Feeding America and Feeding the Carolinas networks, Second Harvest is part of a plan that positions emergency food supplies throughout the country to distribute quickly in the event of a disaster. We establish partnerships with local non-profits and within the food industry to call on when needed. Through our day to day hunger-relief operations, we help stabilize low-income and at-risk populations who are disproportionately impacted by natural disasters.  

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Response

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During a disaster, Second Harvest uses our logistical expertise and equipment, such as storage facilities and trucks, and coordinates with Feeding America and Feeding the Carolinas to move food to the locations where it is needed. Our Providence Community Meals program creates ready-to-heat meals for quick distribution. 

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Recovery

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Second Harvest and all Feeding America food banks remain rooted in communities long after disasters occur and help create long-term solutions for recovery in impacted areas.