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Building Sustainable Food Systems 

Sustainable Food Systems nourish communities and protect the planet. That’s why World Hunger Day is emphasizing sustainable solutions to hunger.  

Second Harvest believes providing food for today is only part of the solution. To truly fight hunger, we must build sustainable food systems.  

These food systems are community-centered, climate-resilient, and designed to last.  

Our process protects the environment, supports local economies, and provides reliable access to nutrition. Here is what that looks like:   

  • Mobile Pantries that bring fresh produce to rural areas  
  • Partner Agencies offering wraparound services like SNAP assistance  
  • Nutrition programs that teach families how to stretch healthy ingredients  
  • Composting food waste as it comes through our warehouses  
  • Grocery rescue that diverts food from landfills to tables  
Aerial view of a colorful mobile market truck with Fresh Food, Healthy Communities written on its side. People gather at tables in front of the truck, selecting fresh produce and interacting with vendors in a parking lot. Shows how Second Harvest is Building Sustainable Food Systems.

These solutions don’t just fill a gap. They reduce waste, empower communities, and create lasting change.  

Over 800 million people worldwide face hunger, including over a million here in Tennessee. Right here in Middle and West Tennessee, 1 in 7 people don’t have enough to eat.   

It’s more important than ever to invest in solutions that build toward a better tomorrow.  

Let’s commit to more than meals. Let’s build a future where every neighbor has access to the resources they need to thrive.  

Together, we can build sustainable food systems that nourish for generations to come.