At Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC, we believe everyone deserves to eat and that food is more than nourishment—it’s connection, opportunity, and a foundation for thriving communities. Every day, we work to build a stronger, more sustainable food system that not only meets the immediate needs of families experiencing food insecurity but also creates lasting solutions to reduce food waste, support local farmers, and promote long-term food security for all.
As the regional food bank serving 18 counties, we distribute millions of pounds of food each year in partnership with a network of more than 500 local food assistance programs. But food banking today is about much more than simply collecting and distributing food—it’s about strategically sourcing food, reducing waste, supporting local agriculture, and advocating for policies that strengthen food security at every level.
A Network-Wide Approach to Sustainability
Through deep relationships with grocery retailers, food manufacturers, and farmers, we rescue and redistribute high-quality food that might otherwise go to waste or to a landfill. This salvaging of edible, safe food has been at the heart of our work since we began our work in 1982. Today, our Farm Fresh Nourish program connects local growers—including small farms and historically under-resourced farmers—to families in need, ensuring fresh, locally grown produce reaches dinner tables while also strengthening North Carolina’s agricultural economy. Our partnerships extend beyond fruits and vegetables—livestock farmers also play a key role, utilizing food scraps that cannot be distributed for human consumption to feed their animals, further reducing waste in our food system. Our Solar Harvest program, the largest roof top array in Forsyth County and one of the largest in North Carolina, is an innovative initiative that will soon power portions of our operations with clean, sustainable energy, reducing costs and our overall environmental footprint.
Second Harvest Food Bank’s Fitzgerald Teaching Garden serves as a living classroom, helping community members learn about sustainable growing practices, nutrition, and self-sufficiency. Composting programs at our facilities keep food waste out of landfills while enriching the soil for future harvests. And, through our recycling initiatives, we ensure that food packaging and other materials are repurposed whenever possible.
Addressing Food Access and Policy for a More Equitable System
Beyond our food recovery and sustainability efforts, we are committed to making nutritious food more accessible to families. Our SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – formerly Food Stamps) outreach and enrollment efforts help ensure that eligible individuals and families can access vital benefits that support long-term stability. At the same time, our advocacy team works at the local, state, and national levels to push for policies that strengthen food security, support small farmers, and create a more just and resilient food system.
Sustainability in food banking is about more than just environmental responsibility—it’s about efficiency, equity, and ensuring that good food feeds people first. By working together across sectors—retailers, farmers, policymakers, and local organizations—we can build a food system that works for everyone.
As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovative solutions that reduce waste, increase access to healthy food, and create opportunities for learning and advocacy. Through your support of our mission, we can create a food system that nourishes people, strengthens communities, and protects our environment for generations to come.
Want to be part of the solution? Get involved here.
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