Second Harvest Community Food Bank is preparing to officially kick off the Food Justice Movement on March 9 at 4 p.m. in Rock Port at the Velma Houts Fair Building (201 Highway 136 East). The Movement is aimed at raising awareness around the issue of hunger and encouraging the community to find ways to be part of the solution. 
“By joining the Food Justice Movement, you have the opportunity to provide nutritious food to seniors, children and families. The Food Justice Movement is an effort to raise funds that will be used to respond immediately to the needs of those facing food insecurity in our region,” said Rachel Graves, chief development officer, at Second Harvest.
Second Harvest has set a goal of raising $400,000 during the campaign. 
By giving to the Food Justice Movement, in any amount, you will become part of the solution to hunger by expanding access to nutritious food to families in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas. Because of Second Harvest’s incredible buying power, we can turn $1 into 3 nutritious meals and of all resources donated to Second Harvest, 96 percent goes directly to food acquisition, distribution and programs. Plus, because of Second Harvest’s four star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, donors can rest assured knowing that Second Harvest practices sound fiscal management practices and accountability.
Donors who contribute $500 or more to the Food Justice Movement may qualify for a 50 percent tax credit from the Neighbor Assistance Program (NAP). If you have business income from a farm operation, rental property, an S-Corporation or royalties, you may qualify. Find out more information about NAP by visiting www.OurCommunityFoodBank.org/NAP.
As part of the Movement, Atchison and Holt County schools are competing to collect the most peanut butter. To aid in this competition, residents in Tarkio, Mound City, Fairfax and Rock Port are encouraged to purchase their favorite peanut butter from their local grocery store on March 9 from 8 a.m. to noon. The winner will be announced at 4 p.m. at the Movement kickoff event.
Attendees of the kickoff event will be able to enjoy delicious food catered by the Tarkio Hy-Vee and entertainment from Jason Riley. They will also get the chance to meet Second Harvest’s newest spokesperson, Kate, the Girl with the Belly Ache.
Yes, hunger is here, but so is the solution. Be part of the solution by joining the Food Justice Movement at www.OurCommunityFoodBank.org/FJM.
The vision of Second Harvest Community Food Bank is to build hunger-free communities in Northwest Missouri and Northeast Kansas by nourishing our neighbors. Second Harvest provides food assistance through Partner Agencies and direct service programs. Second Harvest’s sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.
