Did you know...?
The mission of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is to feed the hungry by securing donations of food from national and local manufacturers, grocers, and individuals then redistribute that food to food pantries, soup kitchens, children’s programs and other non-profit charities that feed the hungry in our region. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee was founded in May 1986 as the Tri-Cities Regional Food Bank. Two local residents began the work of the Food Bank by collecting a trunk load of apples. That first year 68,000 pounds of food was distributed to 30 agencies feeding the hungry in the Tri-Cities Tennessee region. The first paid staff member was also hired.
Thousands of families in the Northeast Tennessee region rely on emergency food programs supported by the Second Harvest Food Bank. Agencies served by the Food Bank report that they provide food to an average of 29,000 individuals each month.
In the region served by Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee the total population living in poverty is 85,000 individuals according to census estimates for 2006. The Tennessee State report card indicates that 52% of elementary school age children are economically disadvantaged.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee operates from a 24,500 square foot warehouse in Gray, Tennessee. The facility includes 2,750 square feet of freezer space and a 750 square foot cooler.The Food Bank also has three refrigerated trucks and three dry trucks that enable us to pick-up and deliver tons of food every week.
Food donations are secured from local and national manufacturers, grocers, restaurants and individuals. Nutritious food staples must be purchased to ensure a constant supply.
Please help fight hunger. No one should go hungry because they do not have enough food. Hunger is a serious problem, but together we can make a difference. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is a member of Feeding America formerly known as America’s Second Harvest - The Nation's Food Bank Network which is a national hunger relief organization.