2007-2008 was a pivotal time in establishing and growing programs and essential practice areas that support our mission of ending hunger through community partnerships. We recently released our Annual Report, and we wanted to take a moment to share with you some of our key discoveries, as well as provide you with online-access to the full report.

Already the 5th largest food distributor in the Feeding America national network of food banks, our innovative programming positioned us for rapid growth to respond to the needs of 960 agency partners in late 2008. Second Harvest Heartland is the second fastest-growing food bank in the nation, by pounds distributed year over year.

We are strengthened by our partners whose individual, corporate, community and foundational support bring relief to thousands of hungry families, children and seniors.

For access to the full report, which includes information about our Field Services expansion and new Food Sourcing initiatives, click here.

The Vikings Children’s Fund Summer Lunch Program hosted 50 young fans for a healthy lunch and a VIP view of training camp yesterday, as part of the Fund’s commitment to building participation in the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program across Minnesota.

Vikings players, including running back Adrian Peterson and defensive end Ray Edwards, were on site encouraging kids to continue healthy eating habits over the summer. Youth from Mankato’s three Salvation Army-sponsored feeding sites attended, in celebration of the Vikings organization’s effort to provide an additional 200,000 meals to Minnesota children this summer.

“Sofia Shibly, 9, eats at least one lunch a week, courtesy of the Salvation Army’s mobile unit in her Mankato neighborhood. She said meals have included mashed potatoes and gravy, corn dogs and pizza. But a program administrator quickly chimed in that healthier foods are a key part of the meals.

But Shibly said today was the best meal of all since it was at the Vikings training camp.

‘I had a lot of fun,’ she said.”
(via Pioneer Press)

Pictured below: Young Vikings fans with Adrian Peterson and Ray Edwards of the Vikings, Joan Wadkins of Second Harvest Heartland

As a foodservice distributor, US Foodservice works with hundreds of food companies as they distribute their products to restaurants across the country. Kurt Nelson, Vice President of Marketing for the US Foodservice distribution center in Plymouth, Minnesota, had a brainstorm one day: “How about asking these vendors and customers to unite with US Foodservice-Plymouth to donate much needed food to Second Harvest Heartland?”

Thus, the Drive Out Hunger campaign began. After a month of working with their vendors and customers, US Foodservice was able to deliver to Second Harvest Heartland an entire truckload of various food products weighing 25,087 pounds. It included nutritious items such as bananas, cauliflower, broccoli, as well as much needed protein items like pot roast and hamburgers.

Bob Chatmas, Chief Operating Officer of Second Heartland, was thrilled with the results of this hard work by US Foodservice. “You and your team are terrific!” Bob said to Kurt. “For all the people in our communities that will have food on their tables because of this donation – thank you!!”

Kurt was also pleased with the results. “It has been a great experience for us to work together with suppliers to further support our relationship with Second Harvest Heartland. We’re especially proud that we smashed our 20,000 pound goal by 25%!”

A big thank you to US Foodservice-Plymouth, their suppliers and customers for this generous donation of food.