Transforming Lives: Second Harvest Launches $16M Impact Center to Combat Food Insecurity

Second Harvest’s New Impact Center: A Major Step Forward in Fighting Hunger

In Tallahassee, Florida, Second Harvest of the Big Bend is achieving something big. They are expanding their operations with a new Impact Center, raising their budget from $10 million to $16 million. This center aims to make a real difference in the fight against hunger—benefiting both the organization and the community.

This expansion comes after three years of fundraising, and the center is just months away from being completed. Volunteers like Ken and Kay Mayo see this project as more than just a building. They believe it will strengthen support for many smaller organizations that rely on Second Harvest to keep their shelves stocked. Ken expressed, “It’s going to speed up our ability to serve people in need. It’s a win-win.”

The topping-off ceremony, which marks the placement of the final steel beam, emphasizes the community’s support for this initiative. Jeremy Cohen, co-chair of the capital campaign, highlighted the significance of this expansion. He stated, “Second Harvest has supported our region for over 40 years, and this new center will set us up for another 40 years.”

This project represents the most extensive expansion in the nonprofit’s history. It will not only provide more space to store fresh food but will also enhance meal distribution and initiate programs aimed at breaking the cycle of hunger. Notably, food insecurity in the area has increased by 5%, while food distribution has remarkably doubled from 11 million pounds to an astonishing 21 million pounds over three years.

The new building will boast over 27,000 square feet, including a 5,000-square-foot area dedicated to volunteers. Ashleigh Kittrell, a Marketing and Communications Specialist, emphasized how essential these volunteers are, saying, “We’ll be able to involve more volunteers in packing food and getting it out into the community.”

Experts in public health highlight the importance of such facilities for addressing food insecurity. According to a report from Feeding America, food banks play a vital role in communities, especially during economic downturns or crises. The federal government also acknowledges food insecurity as a growing concern, which makes projects like Second Harvest’s Impact Center even more critical.

As the final beam is raised and the project nears completion by June 2026, Second Harvest is poised to increase its impact on the community significantly. This initiative demonstrates not just the urgency of combating hunger but also the power of community support in making a lasting change.

Stay connected for further updates and transformations in the fight against hunger.

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