At Second Harvest, we are deeply committed to leveraging our region’s agricultural abundance to end hunger. Our partnerships with local food processors enable us to transform perishable produce into shelf-stable foods, which are highly desirable for their ease of handling and extended shelf life. These collaborations are vital. Fresh produce, despite its abundance, is perishable and can be challenging to distribute before it spoils. By working with processors, we ensure that more of this nutritious food reaches people in need.
One shining example of such a partnership is our collaboration with Tree Top and our generous apple donors that provided 120 tons of apples. Tree Top graciously donated their processing capabilities to convert these apples into four semitruck loads of applesauce. This applesauce is not only delicious and nutritious but also shelf-stable, ensuring it can be distributed over a longer period.
Another successful collaborative project was 
We are excited about the potential to increase our production with Tree Top in the coming year and have a second round of processing planned with Basic American Foods in the next few months. We are hopeful that both joint ventures will continue to thrive for years to come. These partnerships exemplify our strategy to harness the abundance of local agriculture while addressing the shortage of shelf-stable food producers in our service territory. We are continually seeking to forge more of these valuable collaborations to ensure that we can provide healthy, long-lasting food to those who need it most.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our supporters and partners. Together, we are making a tangible difference for neighbors facing hunger, one truckload at a time.
