Category: Second Harvest

Giving Back to Fight Local Hunger

Posted by Ryan Willis – March 15, 2010

Knoxville, Tenn. – Walmart is known for ‘every day low prices’ on thousands of items to cut costs for Americans, and its associates are hoping that those low prices will draw people to donate peanut butter and make their very first food drive for Second Harvest a great success. 

From noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 20th, Walmart associates in Sevierville and Knoxville will volunteer their time hosting a food drive to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. 

Volunteers will be outside each Walmart store to collect peanut butter for Second Harvest. Food items for donation do not have to be purchased at Walmart. Donors may even drive up and hand-off their donation to volunteers who will place it in the food drive barrels. Walmart customers are encouraged to come out in support and donate nutritious peanut butter. 

“The goal is to gather as much peanut butter as possible, no matter where it comes from,” says Jonathan Harness, a volunteer and Walmart employee. “Many children in our community are going to be hungry tonight.  That circumstance is unbearable to us. Walmart associates are thrilled to volunteer and help turn that situation around by partnering with Second Harvest.” 

“The demand for food is continuing to grow in East Tennessee and the situation is so dire for so many all across the country. It’s exciting to see a group of volunteers come together and organize something like this. They are really showing compassion for the hungry in this region,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest. 

*Please note that this is not a Walmart Corporation sanctioned event. 

If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest or are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284.  

For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org. 

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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and over 500 non-profit partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 155,000 kids, adults and seniors each month.  The service area includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne , Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union Counties.

Media Contact:
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

Food or heat or health care?

Posted by Shane Rhyne – February 19, 2010

Thousands of East Tennesseans face this decision daily

Second Harvest logoKnoxville, TN – It is a frightening sign of our troubled economy. Every night in East Tennessee more than 245,500 people go to bed not sure if they will have food to eat in the next few days. Many of them are families with children.

Every month more than 16,000 of our neighbors must choose between buying food and paying for heat. Almost the same number faces choosing between food and health care.

These are the hard realities discovered during a national survey on hunger. Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee participated in the study, which was conducted on behalf of Feeding America, the national organization of which Second Harvest is a member.

“We know the demand for food continues to grow,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest.  “I’m not sure we fully realized just how dire things are for so many people across 18 counties, from the plateau to the mountains.”

Many of those in need are just average folks. Only 8 percent of the 36,800 different people helped in a week are homeless and almost a quarter of those helped are in households where there is at least one employed adult.

“People are working and still unsure they can feed their family,” said Streno. “That’s a situation than can leave a person almost hopeless.”

The impact of Second Harvest is deep. Second Harvest supplies an average of 78% of the food distributed by area pantries, 67% of the food distributed by kitchens, and 54% of the food distributed by shelters. Group homes and many service organizations also get their food from Second Harvest.

“What it all means to us is this: more and more people need food and we will need to raise more money to meet that need,” says Streno. “Even though we can provide three meals for only a dollar, the task before us is still daunting.”

If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest, or work as part of an agency or food bank and are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284.  For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org

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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and 450 Agency/Food Partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 145,000 kids, adults and seniors each month.  The service area includes Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne , Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union Counties.

Media Contact:
Elaine Streno
(865) 850-4284

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee director shares information about neighbors in need

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 21, 2009

Second Harvest logoKnoxville, TN (Dec. 21, 2009) – Elaine Streno, executive director of the Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, shared information about the organization’s outreach in the past year and its anticipated needs for the coming new year in an op-ed article published in the Sunday, December 20, edition of the Knoxville News Sentinel.

The article entitled, “Those who once donated now need food,” spotlights the growth in demand for Second Harvest’s valuable services. In 2008, according to Streno, the organization worked to meet the needs of 121,000 people each month. By 2009, the number had expanded to 165,000 people per month across the 18 counties served by Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee.

For the full article, visit the Knoxville News Sentinel web site.

For additional information about Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee and how you can support its efforts to feed the hungry in East Tennessee, visit www.secondharvestknox.org/

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Media contact
Mike Cohen
(865) 584-0550
mcohen@ackermannpr.com

B&W Y-12 donates food, money to help increasing demand for Second Harvest Food Bank

Posted by Shane Rhyne – December 8, 2009

Second Harvest logo

Knoxville, TN – B&W Y-12 employees delivered food, a $6,500 corporate contribution and more than $2,100 in employee donations to Second Harvest Food Bank today. The delivery is aimed to draw attention to Second Harvest’s efforts to feed the hungry and to encourage other individuals and businesses to contribute.

“Due to economic hard times, food donations are down this year while demand for food is up,” said Second Harvest Executive Director Elaine Streno. In October 2008, 130,000 people, including many seniors and children, needed food from Second Harvest. This October, the number was 165,000.  “We help 159 schools feed over 7,500 kids in East Tennessee,” Streno added.

From its 21,000-square-foot warehouse in Knoxville, Second Harvest provides food to people in 18 counties – Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Cumberland, Fentress, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott, Sevier and Union. Second Harvest Food Bank works with a network of agency partners such as church pantries, shelters, group homes, community kitchens, schools and many other organizations that serve the needy.

B&W Y-12 operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. President Darrel Kohlhorst and other staff will tour Second Harvest’s facility Tuesday, and Second Harvest officials will be available to discuss their program. If you would like photos after Tuesday’s event, please contact B&W Y-12 Public Affairs:  Ellen Boatner (865-241-4937) or Ryn Etter (865-241-3366).

If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest, or work as part of an agency or food bank and are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284.  For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org

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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and 450 Agency/Food Partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 145,000 kids, adults and seniors each month.

Walmart Donates $85,000 Refrigerator Food Truck to Second Harvest East Tennessee

Posted by Ryan Willis – November 6, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn. – As Walmart and the Walmart Foundation continueLogo “Walmart Gives Back,” a holiday giving initiative that will provide $32 million in monetary and in-kind donations to charitable organizations across the U.S., a refrigerator truck donated by the Walmart Foundation will arrive at Second Harvest East Tennessee today to help feed Knoxville families in need. The truck is one of 35 that departed from Madison, Wis., earlier this month headed to Feeding America food banks in local communities across the country. 

In addition to the donated truck, Walmart presented Second Harvest East Tennessee with a $40,000 donation from the company’s state giving program, to help feed families in need this fall. 

Valued at $85,000, the new truck and 12 pallets of Great Value-branded products and fresh apples will arrive in Knoxville in time for Thanksgiving. Feeding America estimates the new trucks will help Second Harvest East Tennessee and 34 additional food banks to transport up 52.5 million pounds of food, the equivalent to 41 million additional meals, per year. 

“In this economy, families and seniors across the country who rely on food banks have been hit especially hard,” said Margaret McKenna, president of the Walmart Foundation. “As Walmart stores continue to be the price leader on groceries, our partnership with Feeding America is helping us do our part to put more food on the dinner table. Our business and our charitable giving are united in the commitment to eradicate hunger in America.” 

“We are so excited to celebrate Walmart’s generosity today, as it continues to help those in need throughout our community,” said Elaine Streno, executive director or Second Harvest East Tennessee. “Walmart has been a strong community partner, and has supported our organization with food donations, monetary donations, and now with the donation of a refrigerator truck, which will enable us to bring fresh, healthy food to those who desperately need it.” 

Walmart’s donated food trucks are in response to a call from food banks that were unable to safely transport nutritious produce, deli meat, beef, chicken, dairy and other groceries. Since last November, Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations have donated more than 90 million pounds of food – the equivalent of 70 million meals – to Feeding America food banks, exceeding the company’s goal and making Walmart Feeding America’s largest food donor. 

As in years past, the majority of Walmart’s holiday giving will happen at the local level with more than $24 million donated from the Walmart Foundation to nonprofits in the communities where Walmart’s 4,000 stores and clubs are located. In addition, the Walmart Foundation will, once again, donate $1.25 million to The Salvation Army, and Red Kettles will raise funds at Walmart stores and Sam’s Club locations nationwide from Friday, Nov. 27, through Thursday, Dec. 24. 

Later this holiday season, Walmart will announce additional recipients of its Walmart Gives Back holiday giving. For more information, visit www.walmartgiving.com.

About Philanthropy at Walmart 

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, work force development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008, through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org. 

About Second Harvest East Tennessee

Second Harvest East Tennessee distributes food to roughly 140,000 hungry people every month through a network of Partner Agencies throughout East Tennessee. Agencies are nonprofit organizations dedicated to feeding the hungry and include church pantries, shelters, group homes, local kitchens, after-school program sites, rehabilitation centers and many others.

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee is part of a national network of foodbanks called Feeding America. Feeding America members cover every county in America. Second Harvest of East Tennessee serves 18 counties in East Tennessee, delivering food as far west as Crossville and as far east as Gatlinburg.


Media Contact
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee Presents the Second Annual Irish Festival

Posted by Ryan Willis – August 19, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn. – Wear green and help feed the hungry of EastLogo Tennessee!  Second Harvest Food Bank will partner with the Irish community for the Second Annual East Tennessee Irish Festival on Saturday, August 22 at World’s Fair Park Festival Lawn from 1:00pm until 10:00pm.  

“Every dollar spent at the East Tennessee Irish Fest goes directly to helping feed the hungry in our community,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank.  “At Second Harvest, we are helping over 145,000 people each month and these types of events allow us to continue our mission of ending hunger in East Tennessee.”

The festival will begin with the marching of Knoxville’s Pipes and Drums and a flag raising ceremony.  Bands such as the Dublin City Ramblers, Shamrock Road, and Sigean Band will entertain crowds throughout the day as will members of the Drake School of Irish Dance.  Attendees can enjoy a variety of Irish food and drinks while kids play on the inflatable playground, get their face painted, and meet and greet members of the Knoxville Fire and Police Departments.  A corn-hole tournament will begin at 4:00pm.

Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for UT students, police officers and firefighters; and kids 12 and under are free.

If you are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call John at 865-521-0000.  For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org or www.etnirishfest.com.

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Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and 450 Agency/Food Partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 145,000 kids, adults and seniors each month. 

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Second Harvest Sees Record Demand, Provides More Food than Ever Before

Posted by Ryan Willis – August 17, 2009

Knoxville, Tenn. – If anyone needs proof just how tough things haveLogo  gotten in East Tennessee all they need to do is talk to the people at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. In the last year an additional 15,000 people per month have found themselves in need of food. That means 145,000 people in need are getting food each month, and the demand is still growing. 

Sadly, it’s meant another record year for Second Harvest with the equivalent of 9.5 million meals provided across an 18 county area. That’s almost 13 million pounds of food. 6,450 tons of food have been provided…and simply put, it’s not enough. 

“Our partner agencies have been hit hard with so many requests for food. I am happy to say that Second Harvest has been able to dramatically increase the amount of food we were able to provide to our agencies.  However, we are learning that the amount of food that is being distributed into the community is still not meeting the full demand for food assistance,” said Elaine Streno, Executive Director of Second Harvest.  

Second Harvest Food Bank has been able to handle the increase in demand by working with a network of agency partners such as church pantries, shelters, group homes, community kitchens, schools and many other organizations that serve the needy.  With the help of these organizations, the food bank has been fortunate to distribute the record breaking 12.9 million pounds of food throughout 18 counties in East Tennessee.

“And while we are thrilled that more people and businesses are supporting our work it still isn’t enough,” said Streno. “If we can raise more money and purchase more food, we can feed more people. It’s as simple as that. We know things are hard for a lot of people, but we hope those who can will dig a little deeper and help us make sure people aren’t going without food.”

Second Harvest Food Bank will continue to work on increasing the quantity and number of staple products offered to agency partners in an effort to better serve the hungry in our community.

If you are interested in supporting Second Harvest, or work as part of an agency or food bank and are interested in setting up an interview with a Second Harvest representative, please call Elaine Streno at 865-850-4284.  For more info visit: www.secondharvestknox.org

# # #

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, a member of Feeding America, has worked to eliminate hunger since 1982.  In 2009, this organization provided food for more than 9.7 million meals in 18 counties in East Tennessee.  With 6 major programs and 450 Agency/Food Partners, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee distributes food to more than 145,000 kids, adults and seniors each month. 

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com

Second Harvest Announces Upcoming and Ongoing Food Drives

Posted by Ryan Willis – August 5, 2009

LogoKnoxville, Tenn. - There are a number of food drives planned for the end of summer and beginning of fall in and around the Knoxville area.  Listed below are Second Harvest Food Drives scheduled for August and September as well as a list of the ongoing collections. 

  • Knox County Schools’ First Days – August 17 & 18
     
  • East TN Irish Festival – August 22, 2009 – The 2nd Annual Irish Festival will be held in World’s Fair Park. This festival is a celebration of Irish Culture and features traditional music, dance, cuisine, beverages, workshops, cultural exhibits as well as contemporary venders, an inflatable jungle gym for kids and much more.
     
  • 6 Shares High School Football Challenge – Fall 2009 – High Schools across East Tennessee are paired with a rival High School, competing to see which school can raise more food and funds for Second Harvest Food Bank.  More than 20 high schools have signed up for this year’s 6 Shares High School Football Challenge.
     
  • Hola Hora Latina Festival – September 18-21
     
  • Apple Tree Nursery – Ongoing – Second Harvest will be the beneficiary of the sale of Japanese red maples (Acer Plamatum), as part of an ongoing promotion by Apple Tree Nursery. Fifty percent of the sales of the Japanese red maple trees will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. 

A number of other ongoing collections are taking place at a variety of organizations in the area, including:  Knoxville Jewish Alliance, Temple Beth El, Camping World, Superior Financial Services, Baha’is of Knoxville, Consolidated Products Inc., Stonewall II Apartments, Wyngate Homeowners Association, US Dept. of HUD, Howard Baker Federal Courthouse Building, High Places Community Church and Christian Family Church.

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For more information, please visit www.secondharvestknox.org.

Media Contact:
Ryan Willis
(865) 584-0550
rwillis@ackermannpr.com