A Note from Julie

Every 5 years, we take a step back from our work and devote time to interviewing neighbors, partners and stakeholders, gathering data and digging deep to assess whether we are meeting our mission and achieving our goals.  This comprehensive approach to strategic planning has guided us in building the Nordson Food Distribution Center, launching innovative programs, driving technological upgrades, and forming new partnerships. It has also given us the clarity to step back from efforts that no longer served our mission. This spring, as we develop our new plan, we will focus on expanding food access and strengthening the resources our community depends on — moving us closer to a future where every neighbor has the food they need to thrive.

Creative solutions are not just for strategic planning.  Our team is often faced with situations that rely on quick thinking and unusual solutions. The deep cold and snow this winter created dangerous situations for our team and volunteers at our outdoor mobile pantries.  With the help of our Lorain County commissioners, we hosted our first indoor mobile pantry at the Lorain County Recycling Center to safely serve hundreds of families despite the frigid temperatures.

Creating pathways to nutritious food means meeting our neighbors where they are, in ways we have never imagined. As we explore these possibilities through our strategic planning process, we will be exploring what those future pathways will be and how we will meet the need for food now and into the future.  

Our annual Harvest For Hunger campaign is one way we’re meeting our neighbors where they are by raising food and funds to provide food directly to our 94 food pantries and 32 hot meal partners across our 4-county region. This campaign provides ONE-THIRD of  the nearly 12M LBS of food we distribute each year — your support is 100% Local and  100% Impact!

We will continue to keep you in-the-know on what is happening at Second Harvest and how YOU can be a part of creating a brighter future for all.