Our Partners Who Persisted During the Pandemic
The Social Impact Team on Launching the Partner Recognition Program
Since its inception, Hungry Harvest’s Social Impact team has largely focused on our Produce in a SNAP markets. These bustling markets have allowed us to partner with community organizations to bring affordable nutritious produce to areas that are lacking consistent access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, our Social Impact team had to reimagine how to make an impact in our community food systems. Like so many other organizations, we faced setbacks and trials but were able to innovate and pivot to continue collaborating with so many amazing local organizations.
As the acute crisis of the pandemic began to wane, we saw with our own eyes the toll it had taken on our community. Foodbank staff and community organizers were worn out and weary from a pandemic that turned from weeks to months to over a year of chronic crisis. As we’ve continued these valuable partnerships, we have always worked as flexibly and collaboratively as possible in order to ease some of the stress on our partners.
Now, we’ve decided to take the extra step. We want to celebrate the tireless work of our partners, and spotlight the grassroots organizations that so desperately need support in times of crisis. Ultimately, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how interconnected all of these systems really are.
On August 1, 2021, we launched our Partner Appreciation Program to thank and acknowledge the amazing work our partners have done over the last year with a donation to the non-profit of their choosing. Let’s take a look at some of our hardworking partners:
KC Foundation
In memory of her late father, Katelyn Knudsen founded the KC Foundation to give back to her own community and people in need. Hungry Harvest began its partnership with KC Foundation at the beginning of 2021, and has been deeply moved by Knudsen’s ongoing efforts to feed her community. She was able to turn a deep personal loss and channel her energy into an organization that built food access in the Baltimore community.
Left: BWMC, Right: KC Foundation
YMCA of Frederick County
Despite the intensity of the pandemic, our partners at the YMCA of Frederick Country have continued running their Produce in a SNAP market throughout. The YMCA is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with community partners to improve the lives of children, adults, families, and the entire community. They strengthen and enrich the development of individuals and families through quality programs and services that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y serves people of all backgrounds, ages, capabilities, and income levels, providing financial assistance to those in need. Their central purpose is encouraging, supporting, and improving healthy living habits, among members and throughout the entire community!
Baltimore Washington Medical Center
Throughout the pandemic, University of Maryland BWMC has been on the front lines. Their foundation has worked to fundraise and build secure and consistent access to produce for their clients. BWMC has gone above and beyond, supporting the healthcare heroes and working tirelessly to keep their community safe.
College Park Community Food Bank
Hungry Harvest was born in College Park, Maryland, and so we are very excited to support and recognize the College Park Community Food Bank. Our partner, Jeremy Lunsford, began volunteering at the food bank over 10 years ago. The food bank has become like a second family to him, in fact his sister now sits on the board. We are thrilled to see this food bank continue to support the College Park community and provide opportunities for young people to get involved and be of service to their neighbors.
Philabundance
Easing the strain on food systems during the beginning of the pandemic was one of our main goals. When Philabundance was in need of a mass Emergency Box order, our teams were able to collaborate to provide over 17,000 boxes of food. On their behalf we will be donating to The Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Advisory Council, a weekly food distribution center that is 95% run by volunteers.
Disability Network Wayne County
As Hungry Harvest continues to expand into new markets, we always prioritize our social impact mission in these new regions. The Disability Network in Wayne County, a partner in Detroit, has been an outstanding partner. We are pleased to make a donation on behalf of the organization to the Detroit Windsor Dance Academy, which recently suffered from weather damages and hopefully this contribution will allow them to continue dancing.
Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital
Our partner Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital has done incredible work during the pandemic. Despite the heavy medical needs of their community in Maryland, they went above and beyond to provide access to food throughout the pandemic as well.
Community College of Baltimore County
Our partnerships with organizations in Baltimore mean so much to us, as Maryland is the birthplace of Hungry Harvest. Throughout the last year, the Community College of Baltimore County has worked tirelessly to provide food to their community, and we are so happy to make a donation directly to CCBC to help students continue their educational journey.
Y of Central Maryland
During the last 16 months, the Y of Central Maryland has provided over 760,00 lbs of food to their community. We are so grateful for this partnership and to continue supporting their mission.
Pine Spring Elementary
Whether it was at a place of worship, a community center, or a school, our partners excelled this past year to continuously show up for their community members. We are excited to recognize Pine Spring Elementary contribution to this effort, and make a donation to Capital Area Food Bank in their honor.
Southeast Community Development Corporation
We will continue to enthusiastically support the work done by the Southeast Community Development Corporation by making a donation towards their ongoing effort to address emergency needs of the community school families. The school based staff regularly help families in emergency situations like house fires, job loses, threats of eviction, or utility bills. This donation will continue to support this worthy cause.
George Washington Carver Urban/Small Farmers Coalition
Our partner the George Washington Carver Urban/Small Farmers Coalition has been on the frontline doing free food distributions from the beginning of the pandemic until now. The success of this organization is contingent on donations, so we are pleased to continue supporting this vital work.
Jewish Relief Agency
In Summer 2020, we began a partnership with the Jewish Relief Agency. They are a passionate mission-driven organization based in Philadelphia. They are dedicated to providing food access to their communities across the city. We’ve partnered with them last summer and this summer to provide Emergency Boxes for events and to support their food access programs.
UMMC St. Joseph’s and the Student Support Network
During the pandemic, the Student Support Network worked diligently to maximize their efforts to reach thousands of people in the community to offer much needed food and other essentials. Our partners and UMMC St. Joseph’s dedicated their donation to the Student Support Network, because with so many students and families struggling with food insecurity and remote learning, this work is absolutely essential to the success of our national community.
Student Support Network Inc
We recognize, between supply chain issues, sky-high freight costs, and staffing troubles, COVID-19 has not been easy for anyone working to bolster food security in their community. However, through partnership, hard work, communication, and compassion our partners have made this time much better for many people in need. At Hungry Harvest, the Social Impact team is passionate about reinvesting in the communities we serve. So, we will be donating $250 to a 501c(3) of our partner’s choosing, in order to continue supporting the larger community. We know that food access is created through partnerships across sectors, and we want to highlight and recognize the value of these organizations that make their communities a better place and continuously show up for their neighbors.