Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is gearing up to make sure every family can celebrate Thanksgiving with abundance. “People may not even realize that due to the pandemic, 1 in 8 people – including 1 in 7 children – are projected to be food insecure,” says Nancy Keil, president and CEO of Second Harvest.
“Thanksgiving is such a special time of year for so many families, but it can be a difficult time for a parent who can’t afford a holiday meal for their family,” she says. “Second Harvest and our network of partner agencies are working to support these families.”
Without help, Second Harvest is not able to fulfill its amazing mission. To provide struggling families with a meal this holiday -- and all year-round -- there are a number of ways to do so.
“Monetary donations are the most efficient way to support Second Harvest,” says Nancy. “We can really stretch a dollar, and every dollar donated can provide four meals.”
Also, all Kroger supermarkets in Middle Tennessee accept food donations on the group's behalf. Donation barrels are located near the entrances and exits. Shoppers can drop off jars of peanut butter or cans of vegetables and proteins while doing their grocery shopping.
Volunteers aged 12 and older also are needed to handle donations received. “We have volunteer opportunities at all three Second Harvest facilities located in Nashville, Smyrna and Camden,” Nancy says. “Our volunteers are incredibly dedicated, and we encourage everyone to lend a hand. You'll have a direct impact on the lives of your neighbors, and it's a truly fulfilling experience.”
Second Harvest supports local communities throughout the 46 counties in Middle and West Tennessee. “We work directly with 450 nonprofit partner agencies across our service area to provide access to food for folks in need,” says Nancy.
“Please remember these families as you sit down to enjoy your gathering this Thanksgiving. Consider adding a food drive to your holiday get together or collecting donations for Second Harvest. Give thanks for your meal by helping to provide a meal for someone else.”
Information about food donations, food drives and volunteering can be seen at SecondHarvestMidTN.org.
Give thanks for your meal by helping to provide a meal for someone else.
