A Note from Julie

It’s a new year, and in the spirit of gratitude I want to begin by thanking you. It fuels our efforts to know we have your support to fulfill our mission and create programming that works towards our vision of a healthy, hunger-free community.

2024 was a whirlwind of activity at Second Harvest. While much of our work is easy to see, we’ve spent efforts behind the scenes too. Our team worked to define our core values this year: forward thinking, grit & perseverance, person centered and authentic. In late spring, we surveyed neighbors who visited our food pantries and mobile pantries for an Ohio Hunger Study. Their feedback guided us in expanding our food options, adding more pick-up choices, and identifying new ways to connect neighbors with essential resources.

In 2025, we’re gearing up to kick off our Harvest for Hunger campaign, bringing together our community, companies and grocery stores to raise food and funds. Last year those dollars helped our food pantries and hot meal programs have center of the plate items — produce, protein and grains — for our neighbors to bring to their tables. It’s why our Harvest for Hunger campaign is so important. This annual drive allows us to replenish food pantries, hot meal programs and shelters across our four counties. We are so excited you are on this journey with us. Stay tuned.