Editor’s Note: Natasha Bowes, our Senior Manager, Philanthropy, recently saw the direct impact of Second Harvest’s efforts during a truck ride-along. She joined our driver Hektor as he delivered rescued food to several agencies and programs Second Harvest supports, thanks to the continued support of our donors.
She shared her experience with our CEO Lori Nikkel in an email, which we reproduced below.
Hi Lori!
I took part in my annual ride-along and it was an eye-opening and inspiring experience! Thank you for making this part our annual staff development, it truly helped me understand the work we do, on a deeper level.
On a chilly, drizzly Wednesday morning a few weeks ago, and I had the privilege of joining one of our amazing Second Harvest drivers for their delivery route. As the day began at 7 a.m. amidst the bustling heart of the Second Harvest warehouse, our truck was being filled with nutritious surplus food, including chicken, ground beef, sausage, dairy products, yogurt and more!
We had a clear mission that day to deliver over 7,240 pounds of rescued food to 12 partner organizations who help feed our city’s most vulnerable communities.
In that moment I was both shocked, and full of hope, as it reinforced for me ‘why’ Second Harvest is such an impactful charity.
This food bank is lucky, and has a dedicated group of bike-delivery volunteers who help bring our food directly to the doors of people in need. It means that people like Sarah, a homebound individual, can eat a healthy, balanced diet and as such – she can now pay for her medications, something she couldn’t do before receiving food deliveries.
At our next destination, I met Mark, a resilient fellow grappling with the recent loss of both parents. Mark thanked me for the food delivery and asked me to send his thanks to everyone at Second Harvest! He explained that breaking bread and making friends at the community center helped him through his loneliness and grief.
It made me smile, knowing our donors gifts go beyond the actual food we deliver, it creates communities and social cohesion and the benefits go way beyond its nutritional value. It brings people together, combats poor mental health, fights loneliness, increases self- worth and esteem.
Our delivery route took us to a vibrant neighbourhood, one of city’s most diverse, where Chef Tony was brimming with excitement. He envisioned transforming surplus food into delectable dishes that nourish bodies and uplift the spirits of people struggling with homelessness and substance use. This drop-in program provides immediate life-saving services, including nutritious meals, shelter from the elements, crisis counseling, and facilities like washrooms, showers, and laundry.
Our last stop of the day was at another food bank, where the impact of our efforts was unmistakable. Kevin and his dedicated team of volunteers orchestrated the unloading process with practiced efficiency, transforming our truck’s cargo into bundles of hope. This specific food bank receives multiple deliveries from Second Harvest weekly; it serves as a lifeline for the community’s growing needs.
This opportunity for a truck ride-along reinforced what I believe so deeply – that the impact of Second Harvest’s programs extends far beyond nourishing empty stomachs.
The food we deliver is more than just a meal; it weaves a beautiful tapestry of nourishment, comfort, community, dignity, and respect. It also helps us protect the planet we live on…a dual benefit.
Thank you, Lori, for inspiring us all to take part in these types of experiences so we can see first-hand the impact we are having on so many lives and in the process helping our planet too.
Have a great day and thank you again,
Natasha
The need for your support has never been greater. Second Harvest’s efforts last year provided food to over 4.8 million individuals from coast to coast to coast. With your generosity, we can help even more individuals and families.
On September 12, 2023, the Second Harvest Truck Pull Challenge returned, and we were inspired by the overwhelming support from all participants and spectators.
in a tournament format to see who could pull a 20,000-pound Second Harvest delivery truck across Nathan Phillips Square in the shortest time. This event was more than just a physical feat; it was a powerful statement against food waste and food insecurity in Canada.
Through sponsorships and generous donations from teams and their supporters, the event raised $148,577 to help Second Harvest continue our mission. These funds will enable us to rescue even more surplus
The Truck Pull Challenge also left participants and spectators with a deeper understanding of food waste in Canada through many fun activations on-site, including a fresh produce market sponsored by Toronto Wholesale Produce Association. In the Freshness Faceoff, participants tested their taste buds by trying different foods and guessing their best-before date. Remember: Best-before does not mean bad-after!
While waiting for their turn, teams got inked with temporary tattoos by artists from Black Line Studios and relaxed at the Massage tent, courtesy of Protégé Massage School. Papa Johns and Starbucks ensured all truck pullers were well fed and energized throughout the event.
A big thank you to all teams for your lasix over the counter participation and fundraising efforts. Without you, the event wouldn’t have been a success. We’re also grateful for the generosity of our sponsors and partners and the support of our dedicated volunteers. Thank you for joining us in the fight against food waste and food insecurity.
Together, we can make a tangible difference in the health of our planet and the lives of those struggling with food insecurity.
Finland is widely recognized as a global leader in sustainability and environmental responsibility. With a commitment to diminishing the environmental impact of food waste and enhancing food security, the country has implemented a range of pioneering strategies and initiatives. Here’s an overview of Finland’s
Food waste is a pressing global issue with detrimental environmental, economic, and social consequences. Finland has responded to this challenge with clear objectives and initiatives designed to reduce food waste along the supply chain, bolster recovery efforts and promote sustainable consumption.
Underpinning these efforts is legislation. In 2021, Finland
amended the Finnish Food Act to mandate that food businesses report their food waste data, fostering transparency and accountability.
Collaboration is a cornerstone of Finland’s food waste reduction strategy. Public-private partnerships, like the Finnish Food Rescue Association, work closely with retailers, restaurants and producers to redirect surplus food to those in need. This approach not only reduces waste but also addresses food insecurity.
Education and awareness campaigns also play an integral role. Initiatives like “Best Before – Good After” are designed to change consumer behaviour by providing information on food expiration dates and promoting the use of leftover ingredients.
The principles of the circular economy, including reducing, reusing, and recycling, are also applied to food systems to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.
Food Policies
Beyond addressing food waste, Finland has implemented a comprehensive set of food policies that prioritize sustainability, health and quality throughout the supply chain.
The country encourages local and sustainable sourcing to reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation. It’s a practice often seen in public institutions, such as schools and hospitals.
farming practices, the government provides subsidies and incentives to farmers who transition to organic methods, which promote healthier ecosystems and reduce chemical inputs in agriculture.
The Finnish National Nutrition Council advocates for healthy eating habits, emphasizing the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Dietary guidelines also encourage the use of plant-based proteins, contributing to reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with meat production.
Finland invests significantly in research and innovation in the food sector. Initiatives such as Food Tech Finland stimulate the development of sustainable and innovative food products and technologies.
With its comprehensive approach that encompasses legislative measures, collaborative initiatives, educational campaigns and support for sustainable practices throughout the food supply chain, Finland continues to serve as a global model for responsible and sustainable food systems. The country’s policies offer inspiration to others seeking to address the multifaceted challenges of food waste and environmental sustainability.
One of the most celebrated days in the UN calendar, World Food Day takes place every year on October 16. It’s an occasion to bring attention to food insecurity worldwide and promote actions to solve this challenge together.
This year’s World Food Day prednisone over the counter highlights the importance of water, a precious resource vital to our well-being, agricultural and industrial needs, as well as the health of our planet.
Water is the foundation of life and food
While about 71 per cent of the earth surface is water, only 2.5 per cent is freshwater that can be used for drinking, growing food and
manufacturing goods. Unfortunately, that supply is dwindling, due to factors such as urbanization, overpopulation, pollution, among others.
Of all the available freshwater, 72 per cent goes to agriculture every year and the number is expected to increase 35 per cent by 2050. Meanwhile, 2.4 billion people live in countries that are stressed for water.
An average person consumes 5,000 litres of freshwater a day, but only a small portion of it comes from food and drink. The rest of it is indirect – the amount of water it takes to produce everything around
Almost 60 per cent of food produced for Canadians is wasted every year and so is the freshwater needed in this process.
When you waste food, not only are you wasting the water and resources used to produce it, but for storing, transporting, manufacturing the package that comes with it as well. Beyond the household level, food loss and waste (FLW) occurs at all points along the supply chain. In fact, almost 60 per cent of https://meraki-nutrition.co.uk/order-amoxil-amoxicillin-online/ food produced for Canadians is wasted every year and so is the freshwater needed in this process.
It is estimated that more than three times as much surface water and groundwater is wasted each year due to FLW than the average annual flow of the Nile River.
The exact amount varies, depending on each food item’s water footprint. For example, four ounces of uneaten tomatoes waste 23 litres of water, while the same serving size of beef costs 1,748 litres.
A typical summer Monday at the Second Harvest warehouse starts early. By 7 a.m., the air is bustling with volunteers prepping vegetables, slicing cheese, packing fruits and forming an assembly line of sandwiches. These will go into the lunch bags for children in summer camps across Toronto as part of our annual Feeding Our Futureprogram.
Bridging the nutrition gap for children during summer
During the academic year, over 211,000 students in Toronto participate in Student Nutrition Programs. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to healthy meals to learn and thrive in school, regardless of their economic situation.
According to recent statistics, there are at least 6.9 million people in Canada experiencing food insecurity in their daily lives, including almost 1.8 million children. This is nearly 20 per cent of the entire population or one out of every five people.
With persistent inflation, nutrition is increasingly out of reach for many people in Canada.
Aiming to bridge the nutritional gap for students relying on school for meals during the year, Second Harvest started Feeding Our Future in 2012. Through the program, we deliver lunch bags to free or subsidized summer camps across Toronto five days a week. Each bag contains a sandwich, fruits, juice and healthy snacks.
“Our deepest gratitude to Second Harvest for the generous provision of healthy and nutritious lunches and snacks for our 135+ camp participants during the seven weeks of our Summer Institute. The daily nutritious lunches and snacks you provided have not only fuelled our campers for their activities but have also instilled valuable lessons about the importance of healthy eating.
Your support has eased the burden on many families who might have otherwise struggled to provide well-balanced meals for their children during their time at camp. Through your generosity, you’ve shown our children that they are valued, that their health matters, and that they deserve the best opportunities possible. Thank you for being an integral part of our camp’s success.” – YAAACE Summer Camp
Building a healthy and balanced meal
The menu changes daily but remains consistent week over week. Children have the option of either a meat or a vegetarian sandwich. To ensure a balanced and inclusive meal, we take several factors into consideration, including avoiding common allergens and ingredients that are dietary restrictions for different religious beliefs (for example, choosing roast beef and turkey over pork).
We also incorporate vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce and cucumbers into the sandwiches and healthy snacks such as oranges, apples or baby carrots.
“I am happy to share my heartfelt testimonial about the camp lunches that Second Harvest provided during the six weeks of our summer camp. These meals were nothing short of a blessing for our campers and staff. The variety and quality of the food were truly remarkable. Each day, they brought a nourishing lunch that contained fresh fruits, vibrant vegetables, and a diverse range of proteins and grains.
What stood out most was how Second Harvest catered to different dietary needs. They seamlessly accommodated allergies, preferences, and cultural considerations, ensuring every camper felt included and valued.” – Lady Ballers Camp
A joint effort to make summer memorable
This year, with the help of 340 volunteers, who spent almost 960 hours prepping and packing the lunch bags, we delivered over 29,000 sandwiches to 22 camp partners across Toronto. A big thank-you to all of our volunteers and summer assistants!
We’re also grateful for the support of our generous sponsors and donors, who have made this program a success. Thank you!!!
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