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The Power of Canned Food

Shelves filled with various canned foods, including soups, baked beans, and stews. Multiple brands and flavors are neatly arranged, fighting hunger with clearly labeled options for easy identification.

Second Harvest could not effectively fight hunger without canned foods.  Their long shelf life, nutritional value, convenience, and versatility make them a staple in pantries across the world. Even ours.   Unlike fresh produce or dairy, canned food can last for years. At our Neighbor Care Pantries, it is important to keep a steady supply of […]

How are MLK Day and Food Insecurity related?

As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee reflect on Dr. King’s powerful legacy and his vision for a world free of inequality and, by extension, hunger. Dr. King understood that food equity was a critical component of social justice.  Food Equity: A Core Principle of […]

Why Dry Goods Are the Secret Weapon in Fighting Hunger?

Jars of beans, lentils, grains, and preserves are neatly arranged on a pantry shelf. The dry goods are stacked and organized for easy storage, ready for use or donation to a second harvest.

Dry goods are the backbone of Second Harvest.   These staples—such as rice, pasta, and beans – are versatile, nutritious, and long-lasting. We need them to fight hunger in our communities.   While fresh foods are necessary, dry goods serve as the building blocks for a balanced diet. Without pantry staples, our neighbors would struggle to prepare nutritious […]

Does Poverty Fuel Hunger?

Poverty is the driving force behind food insecurity. Poverty touches every part of a person’s life. It leaves families in a daily battle to choose between survival and stability.   Juana knows this battle all too well. Affording insulin for her mother never leaves enough money for the wholesome foods a diabetic’s diet requires.    That leaves […]

Heat or Eat?

A foggy Nashville skyline

Winter is making its way to Middle and West Tennessee. With forecasted temperatures staying below freezing for several days, many families in our community face a heart-wrenching decision: to heat their homes or put food on the table. This stark reality is coming for Middle and West Tennessee, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle […]

Can You Manage Diabetes While Facing Food Insecurity?

Blue ribbon symbol with text Diabetes Awareness Month November on a white background, raising awareness and support for diabetes and diabetes food insecurity this November.

Managing diabetes while facing food insecurity can feel overwhelming. During National Diabetes Awareness Month, we’re discussing this intersection. Managing diabetes is tougher when access to healthy food isn’t always possible. Second Harvest is here to help. Larry struggles to keep his diabetes in check. After a stroke related to his diabetes, he could no longer […]

What did Second Harvest do After Disaster Struck?

A close-up of stacked cardboard boxes wrapped in plastic. One box, labeled Second Harvest disaster relief, lists contents for a Disaster Relief Box, including entrees, fruit, snacks, and soup.

When disaster strikes, Second Harvest is here to help.  . In the wake of Milton and Helene, we have begun our relief efforts. We’re focused on providing food to impacted communities.  With 11 trucks of disaster boxes packed, we’ve delivered 613,856 meals. Almost 2000 volunteers made this happen by coming together in a time of need.  Each […]

How Can You Help Fight Hunger on World Food Day?

Colorful assorted vegetables, herbs, and spices such as tomatoes, carrots, eggplant, beans, and parsley arranged around the text World Food Day on a light background. Cooking utensils are also visible in the corners.

Second Harvest is proud to join the global community in celebrating World Food Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about hunger and the importance of healthy, accessible food for everyone. This day, observed annually on October 16, highlights a key message that resonates with us every day—everyone should have access to the food and […]

How Do Nutritious School Lunches Impact Student Success?

A young girl with long blonde hair smiles at the camera while preparing a hamburger at a table, with a milk carton, meal tray, and vegetables in front of her. She is wearing a light blue shirt.

Access to nutritious meals is essential for every child’s growth, development, and happiness. As we celebrate National School Lunch Week, it’s the perfect time to highlight the importance of well-rounded school lunches and how they contribute to the health and success of students in our community.  Why School Lunch Matters  For many children, school lunch […]

Does Food Play a Role in Mental Health?

Green ribbon forming a circle with the text World Mental Health Day, October 10 on a light background with a faint world map.

Food insecurity and mental health are closely linked and affect millions of people simultaneously. At Second Harvest Food Bank, we understand that recognizing the connection between both issues is essential for promoting overall well-being and empowering our community. Today, let’s explore how the lack of reliable access to nutritious food can impact mental health and […]