Harvesting Hope
Supporting local farmers & nourishing our community
Harvesting Hope is Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee’s initiative to invest in local farmers while increasing access to fresh, nutrient-dense food for neighbors facing hunger.
By purchasing directly from East Tennessee farms, we support the region’s agricultural economy, strengthen the local food system, and ensure families across our 18-county service area have access to high-quality, locally sourced food.
1.
Supporting local farmers
Harvesting Hope provides strategic funding and purchasing partnerships to farmers across East Tennessee. By working directly with producers, we:
- Invest in farms before crisis occurs
- Strengthen long-term sustainability
- Build trusted, collaborative relationships
- Keep food dollars within our local economy
This initiative allows Second Harvest to serve not only as a food distributor, but as an agricultural partner.
2.
Strengthening our regional food system
East Tennessee loses farmland every year, impacting food availability and long-term food security. Harvesting Hope helps stabilize the regional food pipeline by:
- Creating reliable purchasing agreements
- Diversifying local food sources
- Expanding access in rural and underserved areas
- Building resilience against disruptions and supply chain challenges
A robust agricultural community leads to a strong food system for all.
3.
Feeding neighbors with fresh, local food
Through Harvesting Hope, food purchased from local farms is distributed through channels such as:
- Mobile Pantry
- Partner Agencies
- School-based initiatives
- Other community distributions
Locally sourced food improves nutrition and ensures families receive high-quality food they can feel good about serving.
4.
Harvesting Hope by the numbers
- 50+—the number of East Tennessee farms we’re currently working with
- 18—the number of counties we serve
- 8,000—the number of square miles we serve
Over time, Harvesting Hope is designed to expand, resulting in an increase of pounds of food distributed, farms supported, and households served.
5.
Equity, access, and nutrition
Harvesting Hope directly aligns with our commitment to Food for ALL.
By sourcing locally, we:
- Increase access in rural communities
- Improve nutritional quality
- Support historically underserved producers
- Expand food access across priority populations
This initiative strengthens both our mission and our community.
6.
Get involved/become a farm partner
If you are a local farmer interested in learning more about Harvesting Hope, we invite you to connect with our team.
If you are a supporter who believes in strengthening East Tennessee’s food system, we invite you to explore how you can be part of this growing initiative.
For more information, please contact Mary Clay Kline.
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QUESTIONS?
Reach out today to learn more about what we do, get involved, or for additional information about our resources.