EVENTS HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA.
2020 RECAP AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – JANUARY 16
2020: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Last year was difficult for all of us for a variety of reasons. At Second Harvest, we faced the challenge of figuring out how to meet the increased need for food assistance in our region while keeping the people we serve, volunteers and staff safe. The job isn’t done, but we’re grateful for the way the community came forward to help get food to their neighbors in need.
Thanks to generous community support, Second Harvest distributed 52.9 million pounds, or food for 44 million meals last year. That’s a 58% increase over the 2019 total of 33.6 million pounds, or food for 28 million meals.
Most of this food was distributed through Second Harvest’s partner network of 250 food pantries, meal sites and other programs in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. Some, however, was also distributed through Second Harvest’s Mobile Market program, which grew significantly in the wake of the pandemic. In 2020, Second Harvest hosted 463 Mobile Markets—up from 141 in 2019.
Of course, behind each one of these numbers, there’s a story. Learn more about Tammy, one of the many people who unexpectedly found themselves in need of help last year, in this video.
Second Harvest could not have responded to the crisis in this way without the generosity of its volunteers and donors and the commitment of its many partners. Community care is what gets us through times like these. Thank you for helping ensure every person in our community could get the food they needed to stay healthy in 2020.


VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Great news! Volunteers will be returning to our Pasco Hunger Solution Center this month. Due to various factors brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, last summer Second Harvest suspended volunteer activities inside our Pasco facility. We’re excited to welcome volunteers back the week of January 18. Volunteers are the lifeblood of Second Harvest, and we’re so appreciative of everything they do—and equally appreciative of the patience our Tri-Cities volunteer force has had during the pandemic. If you’re interested in volunteering at either of Second Harvest’s locations, click here. Please note that masks are required inside Second Harvest’s facilities, and we continue to use physical distancing and sanitation protocols to keep volunteers and staff safe and healthy.
Not sure if volunteering is for you? Hear directly from one of Second Harvest’s amazing volunteers, Laurie, about why she gives her time to fight hunger in this video.

To sign up to receive our COVID-19 updates via email, please click here.

Food Sourcing Update – September 29
Nearly six months after the federal COVID-19 emergency was lifted, obtaining food continues to be extremely challenging. News stories and conversations with our fellow Feeding America food banks confirm that food sourcing difficulties are nationwide.
That’s why we are so fortunate to be able to access Feeding America’s Choice System to obtain a variety of quality, nutritious food.

How to Host a Fundraiser – September 22
Looking for a fun way to celebrate your birthday, company event or holiday? Hosting a fundraiser for Second Harvest is easy and makes an impact. You can raise funds online or host a food drive in person. We’ll give you the tools to get set up, share your event and start collecting. Every dollar donated makes a difference for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

Serving Those Who Serve Our Country – September 15
Steve and his wife both retired from the Army, and he also spent time as a civil engineer in the Navy. His career has been a life of service to our country. Today, he is a member of the civilian workforce at Fairchild Air Force Base.
With economics the way they are today, Steve accesses Second Harvest Mobile Market free food distributions on base.
Naturally cheery, Steve manages a smile even when he explains “Times are hard.” Simultaneously, he proudly adds, “We have two kids, 13 and 14. They eat like crazy and are growing like mad.”

Feeding Eastern Washington and North Idaho
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