Harvesters—The Community Food Network

When you think of summer, you may picture long, lazy, days at the pool, dripping popsicles on the porch or vacations with family and friends. For many, however, summer has a much different tone. We often think of those experiencing food insecurity around the end of the year, with Thanksgiving, Christmas and other food-centric holidays. But summer is actually the hardest time of year for those who routinely experience hunger, especially kids. Read more: https://ow.ly/M77350SCPtN

We've officially been in our new Kansas Distribution Center in Lawrence for a month! During June, we already distributed 994,208 pounds of food and benefitted from 346 volunteer hours. Thanks to everyone who made this possible!

Harvesters is thrilled to announce that Kevin Strathman, Chief Financial Officer at Dairy Farmers of America, is our new Board chair. Strathman is a long-time member, having served eight years, including time as Board Treasurer and President Elect prior to taking on this new role. Other new members joining Harvesters’ Board this fiscal year include Gregory Baker, Community Volunteer; Andrew Lindeman, Landmark National Bank; Joan M. Lowdon, Kansas Judicial Branch, First Judicial District; and Stef Seger, Meta. Join us in welcoming them to their new positions!

Join us in congratulating this month's Can Do Award winner: Michael Henderson! Michael has time and time again shown he was willing to help the Receiving and Inventory Control by staying late after hours help unload inbound over-the-road trucks. His willingness to help put product away, or at least in the zone area it is needing to be stored in, has been witnessed multiple times. We want to make sure he gets the recognition he deserves for being a true team player!

After 23 years of service, we're saying goodbye to Joanna Sebelien, our beloved Chief Resources Officer as she heads into retirement. Over her career, she's raised millions of dollars for her neighbors, helped pass important legislation to help those experiencing food insecurity and mentored dozens of leaders in the nonprofit community. Read more about Joanna's legacy here: https://ow.ly/2qxZ50Sq9pj

New Roots is an incredible four-year farmer training program jointly run by Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas and Cultivate KC, where farmers with language barriers and cultural differences learn how to market the items they grow. They are also one of our Kansas Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) program partners, helping us feed neighbors experiencing food insecurity in our region. Read their story here: https://ow.ly/Lu7H50SljsP

Topeka, you showed up! More than 500 meal kits were donated and packed for our neighbors thanks to your generosity. Thank you KSNT 27 News and Dillons for making it all happen!

Knowing that the Flint Hills Breadbasket is a safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community makes it easier for Bree Gerth to walk through the door and ask for the help she needs. Click through to read Bree's story: https://ow.ly/Hxqs50Sh2Lw #PrideMonth

Do you know about the Hy-Vee 100 Million Meals Challenge? Through the summer, you can round up your grocery order at participating Hy-Vee stores to support the Feeding America network, including Harvesters!

We are open! Our new Kansas Distribution Center in Lawrence is fully operational and we sent out our first delivery truck this morning. Thanks to everyone for your support, patience and well-wishes during this transition time. We're looking forward to the future in our new home!