Interview with Second Harvest

A recent discussion with Destiney Patton, Donor Relations Manager at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, revealed eye-opening truths about food insecurity in Sumner County. While many might assume hunger isn't widespread here, the reality is different. One surprising challenge is the location of the Sumner Schools Food Bank - housed in the central office rather than individual schools, making access difficult for families already struggling with transportation and tight budgets.

Second Harvest addresses these gaps through multiple programs. Their school pantries bring food directly to students, mobile markets reach underserved neighborhoods, and SNAP assistance helps stretch limited resources. But their work depends on community support, where every dollar donated provides four meals through their efficient distribution system.

This conversation inspired immediate action. Partnering with Hendersonville Medical Center, I organized a community-wide food drive to directly support Second Harvest's mission. This collaboration exemplifies how awareness can turn into tangible change when organizations and individuals come together.

The path forward is clear: we need to advocate for more accessible food resources in schools, support Second Harvest's programs, and remember that hunger exists even where we might not see it. Through collective action, we can ensure everyone in Sumner County has reliable access to nutritious food.

This summer Second Harvest has an initiative called Hunger Free Summer where a generous group of donors has pledged to match donations up to $500000 making it the perfect time to donate!