The leaves are changing colors, meals are being shared, and we’ve noticed a renewed sense of togetherness as the year draws to a close. Here at Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, this time of year also means reflecting on our blessings.
This November, all of us at Second Harvest would like to extend a warm thank you to this community. The food bank model is an intricate web of volunteers, food recipients, donors, food growers and farmers, community partners, grantmakers, and many more, and we couldn’t do what we do without this network of supporters. We’re filled with gratitude this giving season — for everyone who has contributed to the success of Second Harvest and our mission.
Tale of Abundance
Second Harvest’s Food Rescue team witnesses our community’s generosity in action regularly when working with our Food Rescue partners. Businesses across our 18 counties, from grocery stores to restaurants, are looking out for our neighbors — so when they have excess, it’s important to them that they share it.
“Our donors are faithfully committed to donating surplus foods and valuable home goods that improve the lives of those we strive to serve. They are dedicated to reducing waste by making a daily choice to support and advocate for our redistribution network,” said Ruth Ivey, our Food Rescue Manager.
It’s this passion for giving back that allows the Food Bank to provide food to our neighbors. When members of our community spare their resources, be that goods, funds, or time, those facing food insecurity in East Tennessee receive the support not just of Second Harvest, but all of you.
Seasonal Recipe
We’ve found that sharing a meal is an important gratitude practice all on its own. When we sit down at the table, we’re grateful for the food that’s been cooked and the hands that have prepared it.
At our Good EaTN Cooking Club, the hands that have prepared it are our wonderful students! We wanted to share a recipe we’ve been making with them lately using sweet potatoes — it’s perfect for holiday leftovers, or just to enjoy this delicious, seasonal ingredient.
Sweet Potato Pillows
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 1 hr | Total Time: 1 hr 15 min | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 medium-to-large sweet potatoes
- 21⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed for rolling 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp oil
Directions
- Wash hands with soap & water. Sanitize surfaces before starting. Use clean utensils.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a small baking sheet with foil. See back of page for microwave instructions.
- Poke potatoes all over with a fork. Place potatoes on a baking sheet & roast in the oven for 45 minutes or until you can pierce a fork all the way to the middle. Set potatoes aside to cool.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cool, remove the skins & place the orange flesh in a medium-sized bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the potato into a smooth puree. It should be about 2 cups mashed.
- Add 2 cups flour & the salt to the bowl. Fold in with a spatula or your hand. The dough should not be sticky or stiff.
- Sprinkle 1 Tbsp of flour on a cutting board or clean countertop & place dough on top. Roll the dough into a log about 3⁄4-inch thick. Using a knife, cut the log into 3⁄4-inch pieces.
- To cook the pillows, heat 2 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a medium skillet. Carefully add the pillows, spacing them out so they don’t touch each other. You may need to cook them in two batches.
- Top with your favorite sauce. Store cooked dumplings in an air-tight container in a refrigerator & eat within 3-5 days.
- If you plan to store uncooked dumplings, boil dumplings in water until they float. Then store in an air-tight container & cook within 1-2 days.
Generosity Report
This past September, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee took part in Hunger Action Month, the Feeding America network’s annual nationwide campaign designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of hunger in the United States.
As part of Hunger Action Month, we asked you to donate a food bank superfood, peanut butter. The numbers are in, and through your generosity, our shelves are now stocked with 24,091 pounds of peanut butter. We’re so grateful for all the Hunger Action Heroes who chose to share their resources with us, and we’re thrilled to be able to share this peanut butter with our neighbors throughout the winter season.
Kindness in the Community
Thank you again for all your support, no matter what form it comes in. We’re proud to be members of this caring and thoughtful community, and grateful to be fighting hunger and feeding hope in this special place.