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.