by David Chapman
Staff Writer
On this traditional day of giving thanks, many are offering blessings for good health, family, friends and, of course, their meals.
Without the work of Thomas Mantz and the staff and volunteers at Second Harvest Food Bank, many people wouldn’t have food to enjoy today or many other days.
As the largest distributor of food and grocery products to nonprofit organizations and providers within 18 Florida counties, Second Harvest is the source for food for many hungry individuals and families, especially with the downturn in the economy.
As the economy led to higher unemployment rates and housing woes, it also boosted the need to fight hunger.
The demand doesn’t come only from impoverished areas, said Mantz. It’s found its way into the suburbs.
“You know someone who’s hungry,” said Mantz, Second Harvest executive director. “You just don’t know it.”
The majority of food Second Harvest provides to organizations for distribution is privately obtained, with a small portion coming from government subsidies. Businesses hold food drives, individuals donate goods and stores provide groceries to stock Second Harvest’s inventory. The goods are held to Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.
The goal is to collect 40 million pounds of food a year, said Mantz. This year the total has been closer to 20 million pounds, with just 7 million pounds last year.
While it’s a year-round need and operation, the “busy season” starts the day after Halloween and continues through New Year’s Day.
Holidays or not, by 5:30 a.m. there usually are a dozen trucks on the road making pickups to bring back to the Jessie Street facility. There, the food is sorted and packed for turnaround to agencies.
“Stuff doesn’t sit on the shelf here very long,” said Mantz. “The turnaround is pretty quick.”
While funding is always a need, Mantz said he wants to continue to increase the awareness of hunger, which will lead to advocacy and more volunteers. The majority of Second Harvest’s workforce consists of volunteers, and more are always needed, he said.
“One meal, one person,” said Mantz. “It matters.”
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