Our History- The quick version

Did you know....

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee was started (incorporated) in 1982 by a group of dedicated and concerned community volunteers who had read about a "new" concept called food banking. These individuals felt there was a great need here in Knoxville, Tennessee. Second Harvest was originally called SHARE: Southern Appalachian Food Bank.

During the first year of operation, Second Harvest distributed 220,000 pounds of donated food to 43 qualified agencies. Currently we serve over 514 partner agencies that include food pantries, soup kitchens, senior centers, group homes, youth organizations, shelters, and rehabilitation centers....to name a few!

Second Harvest moved to its current location in 1993. This building was originally built in 1960 and has been added onto and renovated several times since. Some Knoxvillians may recall that the Second Harvest building was originally the Rankins Signs building, then later utilized by the Knoxville Seed Company.

Currently, Second Harvest operates 6 different feeding programs out of our location. Each one designed to provide much needed food to individuals throughout our 18 county service area. We house 14 trucks, 28 full-time and 3 part-time employees, all within a 21,000 square ft warehouse (including 2,100 square ft freezer/cooler).

Over the years many things have changed for Second Harvest. From our first year of distributing 220,000 pounds to approximately 13 million pounds this past year. Our location may have changed (many years ago), our staff may have some new faces, and we may be branching out farther then ever before. But, one thing that has never changed.....the support we receive from our community! The never-ending support that Second Harvest receives, both now and then, from loyal, local businesses to concerned citizens is what keeps us going! We could not do it without the help of our community.....so thank you!