As a philanthropist, it is important to support organizations that are making a real difference in the world. One such organization is Harvesters – The Community Food Network, which has been working tirelessly to fight hunger and provide food assistance to those in need for over 40 years. In this article, we will explore who Harvesters is, what they do, their impact, how to give and get involved, and more.
Who We Are
Harvesters – The Community Food Network is a regional food bank serving a 26-county area of northwestern Missouri and northeastern Kansas. They are a nonprofit organization that works with a network of over 760 nonprofit agencies to distribute food to those in need. Harvesters was founded in 1979 and has since become one of the largest food banks in the country, distributing over 47 million pounds of food annually.
What We Do
Harvesters’ mission is to feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow. They do this by collecting and distributing food donations from grocery stores, manufacturers, and individuals. They also purchase food in bulk at discounted prices to supplement their donations. The food is then distributed to their network of nonprofit agencies, which include food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other organizations that provide food assistance.
Impact
Harvesters’ impact is significant. In 2020 alone, they distributed over 47 million pounds of food, which equates to over 39 million meals. They also provided food assistance to over 141,000 individuals each month. Harvesters’ work not only helps those who are struggling with hunger but also has a positive impact on the community as a whole by reducing food waste and supporting local businesses.
Giving
There are many ways to give to Harvesters. You can make a financial donation online or by mail, donate food at one of their drop-off locations, or host a food drive. Harvesters also has a planned giving program for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy. Additionally, Harvesters participates in many corporate giving programs and events throughout the year.
Grants
Harvesters receives funding from a variety of sources, including grants. They have received grants from organizations such as Feeding America, Walmart Foundation, and the USDA. These grants help support Harvesters’ programs and services and enable them to continue their important work.
Research
Harvesters conducts research to better understand hunger in their service area and to inform their programs and services. They also participate in research studies conducted by other organizations to help advance the fight against hunger.
Programs & Services
Harvesters offers a variety of programs and services to help fight hunger. These include:
– BackSnack Program: Provides weekend food assistance to children who may not have access to food when they are not in school.
– Kids Cafe: Provides after-school meals and snacks to children in low-income areas.
– Mobile Food Pantry: Delivers fresh produce and other perishable items directly to communities in need.
– Senior Food Box Program: Provides a monthly box of food to low-income seniors.
Careers & Volunteer
Harvesters offers many opportunities to get involved, including volunteering and career opportunities. Volunteers can help with tasks such as sorting and packing food, assisting with events, and delivering food. Harvesters also offers internships for college students. For those interested in a career with Harvesters, they offer a variety of positions in areas such as development, operations, and outreach.
Funded Partners
Harvesters works with over 760 nonprofit agencies to distribute food to those in need. These agencies include food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and other organizations that provide food assistance. Some of their funded partners include Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas, Harvest Baptist Church Food Pantry, and the Kansas City Rescue Mission.
Training & Certification
Harvesters offers training and certification programs for their partner agencies to help them better serve their communities. These programs include ServSafe certification, which teaches safe food handling practices, and Hunger 101, which provides an overview of hunger in the community and how to address it.
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to get involved with Harvesters, you can contact them at:
Harvesters – The Community Food Network
3801 Topping Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64129
Phone: (816) 929-3000
Email: [email protected]
FAQ
For frequently asked questions about Harvesters, visit their website at https://www.harvesters.org/FAQ.
Web Links
– Harvesters – The Community Food Network website: https://www.harvesters.org/
– Donate to Harvesters: https://www.harvesters.org/donate
– Volunteer with Harvesters: https://www.harvesters.org/volunteer
– Find a food pantry near you: https://www.harvesters.org/find-help
– Harvesters on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harvestersCFN/
– Harvesters on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarvestersORG
– Harvesters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvesterscfn/
Google Map Coordinates: 39.0908° N, 94.5172° W (https://goo.gl/maps/9y5fM2LJZqU5s2kW9)