March marks a significant time of the year for Second Harvest as we celebrate both International Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Month. It’s a period to reflect on the incredible contributions of women and the vital role agriculture plays in our fight against hunger. In the heart of Tennessee, the Milan Mustard Seed, a Second Harvest Partner Agency, embodies the spirit of community support, agricultural awareness, and the crucial importance of food security.
A Foundation of Compassion and Support
Established in 1973, the Milan Mustard Seed has been a cornerstone for the residents of Gibson County, Tennessee. The Mustard Seed extends their helping hands beyond just food provision. They offer support with rent, utilities, and household items, recognizing that fighting food insecurity is about more than just providing someone with a meal. The addition of a kitchen in 2016 ushered in a new era for their services, as it allowed them to serve hot meals to those in need to foster a sense of fellowship and community connection.
A Tribute to Fresh Produce and Nutritional Wellness
Pat Ward, from the Milan Mustard Seed, emphasizes the importance of access to fresh produce. “You can smell the difference in the kitchen, taste the difference, and see the difference on people’s faces when they’re excited about it,” she highlights. The fresh produce that Milan Mustard Seed helps feed Gibson County with is grown at Second Harvest’s Project Grow. This dedication not only meets nutritional needs but also brings joy and satisfaction to the community they serve.
Empowering Women Through Community Service
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all spheres. Pat’s achievements are ones to be celebrated. She shares, “I was a single mother of three and I didn’t have access to a place like The Mustard Seed at the time and I struggled to feed my children anything in the day at some points. It’s a ministry that’s very close to my heart from personal experience.” Her journey of hardship to philanthropy underscores the importance of empowering women through support and community service. Pat’s story reflects a commitment to helping others navigate through their darkest times.
A Call to Action
Pat ends, “I can’t stress the importance enough…how important food is. It’s one of the things you cannot live without,” a poignant reminder of the necessity of nourishment.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and National Agriculture Month, let’s take a moment to recognize and support the invaluable work of organizations like Milan Mustard Seed. Their dedication to providing not just food, but hope and support to their community, is a shining example of how we can all contribute to a world where no one has to go hungry.
Join us in supporting Milan Mustard Seed and similar organizations in their mission to feed, empower, and uplift communities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many, honoring the spirit of Women’s History and National Agriculture Month through our actions and support.
