Feeding the Heartland: Harvesters' Fight Against Food Insecurity

In the heart of the Midwest, a remarkable organization is leading the charge against the growing crisis of food insecurity. Harvesters - The Community Food Network, a non-profit serving the Kansas City metropolitan area, has recently received a significant donation from Thermo King, a company dedicated to creating access to healthy food across the nation. This timely contribution comes at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with the highest levels of food insecurity since 2014.

Empowering Communities, One Meal at a Time

Thermo King's Philanthropic Commitment

Thermo King, a leading manufacturer of transport temperature control solutions, has stepped up to the plate with a $5,000 donation to Harvesters. This contribution is part of the company's "We Move Food" program, a philanthropic initiative designed to address the pressing issue of food insecurity nationwide. By partnering with organizations like Harvesters, Thermo King is making a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling to put food on the table."We are so grateful for Thermo King and that they have made this gift for Feeding America," said Jillain Williams, director of philanthropy at Harvesters. "Gifts like this make it so we can put food on our neighbors' tables." The donation will fund 10,000 meals across 27 counties surrounding the Kansas City area, providing a much-needed boost to the region's food security efforts.

The Alarming Rise of Food Insecurity

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the already dire situation, with food insecurity reaching unprecedented levels. According to Jillain Williams, "Last year, our statistics came out that 1 in 11 adults were food insecure and 1 in 8 children. Now, it is 1 and 8 adults and 1 and 6 children; food insecurity is the highest it's been since 2014."This stark reality is reflected in the data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, which reported that in 2021, 196,353 Kansas residents and 663,726 Missouri residents accepted Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. SNAP, a crucial government program, provides a lifeline for those struggling to afford basic sustenance.

The Importance of SNAP and Federal Nutrition Programs

SNAP benefits are a critical component in the fight against food insecurity, as Sarah Biles, director of communications for Harvesters, explains: "SNAP is the most efficient way to feed people who are insecure in America. If there was any kind of cut to SNAP, more people would be coming to Harvesters and our network of pantries to get food is already tapped out."The 2018 Farm Bill, which allocates 76% of its $428 billion in federal funding to nutrition programs, is set to expire on September 30th. This looming deadline has raised concerns, as a recent GOP proposal suggests a 15% cut to SNAP benefits, amounting to approximately $30 billion in reductions."People are still making tough choices. The USDA just came out earlier this month with its latest food security report," Biles said. "It showed nationally, a million more households are food insecure now than they were a year ago." Such cuts to federal nutrition programs would undoubtedly increase the workload for organizations like Harvesters, as the cost of production and distribution remains high.

Harvesters' Resilience and Adaptability

Harvesters has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in the face of these challenges. The organization has developed a contingency plan to navigate a potential government shutdown and changes to SNAP. This plan involves efforts to recruit more volunteers and launch targeted donation campaigns to ensure that the community's needs are met, even in the face of adversity."It takes $1,000 just to fill up the fuel tank of one of our semis on the road," Williams said. "That gets the food out into those counties, especially the rural counties that are experiencing higher food insecurity." Harvesters' commitment to reaching the most vulnerable communities underscores its dedication to creating a more equitable and food-secure future.As Congress approaches the September 30th deadline for the Farm Bill, the stakes have never been higher. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have a profound impact on the lives of millions of Americans struggling with food insecurity. Harvesters and organizations like it stand ready to continue their vital work, but the support of policymakers and the public will be crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight to nourish the heartland.