1. Stories Hope
Spring 2012
of
r e p o r t
u a l i s
n s
n u
a Doing more e
• •
with your contributions
every year!
PG 5 ®
I n s id e
• Food & Fund with mac & cheese
• W
elcome to Second Harvest Heartland West
• 2012 Hunger Heroes
• 2011 Donor highlights pg 3 pg 10 pg 11

2. The Mission Beyond
the Mission have fun with your food
A message from our Executive Director
CEO
A Food Fund drive that was anything but cheesy
To the kids at Pope John Paul II Catholic perfect because the boxes can be stacked
School in Minneapolis, the only thing and if the stack was to fall over, the food
Looking Back While Moving Forward better than eating macaroni cheese is
helping others have the opportunity to
would not get damaged. Individual boxes
are not expensive and families could easily
Each spring, we release our annual financials energy and dollars – who continue to step individual volunteers who gave their time eat macaroni cheese. And thanks to purchase however many they could afford.”
and recap all of our accomplishments from up to the plate in huge ways to fight for to help sort, pack and label it for delivery their efforts, more than 900 boxes of every The entire school embraced the competition.
the year prior. And each time we compile our neighbors in need. You’re helping us into the community.
kid’s favorite meal will be distributed With the help of the 8th Grade Leadership
the information into our spring edition of find new and innovative ways to unlock our No matter what type of contribution you throughout our service area. Committee, who played a large part in
Stories of Hope and our annual report, I’m community’s abundance, such as sourcing make to Second Harvest Heartland, please
humbled by the magnitude of what we’re local food from farmers and growers right As part of Catholic Schools Week 2012, organizing and promoting the drive, the
know how very much we appreciate your
able to accomplish together. here in the heartland. the K-8 school held a Food Fund Drive school’s six homerooms tracked the daily
support. You play a crucial role in our
benefiting Second Harvest Heartland. Only progress of the others, and the excitement
As a food bank, we’re proud of our efficiency, As you’ll read later in this newsletter, mission to end hunger through community
this Food Fund Drive had a creamy twist: led to an ever-changing leader board. In
and the more than 95% of every donation we’re distributing double the amount food partnerships, and we thank you.
Children were assigned to collect only a surprise twist, the Kindergarten room
we’re able to apply directly to our programs. we were just four years ago. We would -Rob Zeaske boxes of macaroni cheese. And to really took an early lead, causing the older kids
But as a hunger relief organization, we’re not be able to source this food without
drive participation, prizes were awarded to to enhance their efforts, enlisting eager
perhaps even more astounded by the your support, and we wouldn’t be able
not only the homeroom that collected the families, bringing bulk packs of macaroni
number of you—our contributors of time, to distribute it without the nearly 12,000
most boxes, but the homeroom that was cheese to school, even requesting donations
able to build the largest freestanding tower from local grocery stores. And when a
out of their collection. classroom fell behind the others, it wasn’t
uncommon to see a teacher or staff member
Together we are The idea to collect macaroni cheese was
slip a student a few boxes.
Prizes were awarded to the tallest tower built
from mac cheese boxes.
a stroke of cheesy genius. The 145 children
transforming hunger relief. at the school jumped at the chance to share In the end, the 906 boxes of macaroni
You can help. Mark your calendar with these events.
Go to 2harvest.org/events for more details.
a favorite food with their hungry neighbors.
“We wanted an item that was affordable
cheese collected by the students made
for some rather impressive architecture,
accomplish a goal,” Jessi said. “And after
all of the teachers moved the boxes into
for all families, durable and could easily but it was the lessons learned by everyone the gym and [everyone could see] all of the
be stacked,” said teacher and Leadership involved that were the most impressive part mac cheese together, students and staff
Bremer Bank Farmers Market Event Food Mania of this Food Fund Drive.
Committee Advisor Jessi Weakley. were amazed at the number. The students
Saturday, June 2 • 7am – noon July 16 – 27
Lowertown Saint Paul Farmers Market “Finally, we wanted to choose an item “As the students worked together as felt a great sense of pride when they found
A lively competition between law and accounting firms,
that kids would enjoy eating themselves. a class to build their towers, they saw out we were donating over 900 boxes to the
Bremer Bank will be at the farmers market collecting food companies, and credit unions. 1140 Gervais Ave St. Paul, MN 55109
PerMit #649
We thought macaroni cheese would be the importance of working together to food bank.”
donations for Second Harvest Heartland. From 9-11am,
St CLoUD, MN
To find out more, visit 2harvest.org/foodmania.
PaiD
KS95 will be onsite with prizes.
U.S. PoStage
NoN-Profit org.
Second Harvest Heartland Pack-A-Thon
Ice Cream Social Hosted by AdvisorNet Financial
June 26 • 12 - 3pm • Peavey Plaza
Saturday, September 15 • 9am to 9pm
Second Harvest Heartland West The Need is Growing
Enjoy free ice cream and entertainment courtesy of our friends at
Roll up your sleeves and fight hunger with friends, family and But you can help our hungry seniors.
AdvisorNet. All donations benefit Second Harvest Heartland.
co-workers at the first-ever Second Harvest Heartland Pack-A-Thon. Food shelf visits by seniors are up more than 50% since 2008.
Visit 2harvest.org/events for more details. Teams will volunteer in two hour shifts, compete for fun prizes,
With your help, Second Harvest Heartland can continue to gather and deliver more food
and enjoy the Pack-A-Thon party!
Fellowship of the Fresh to agency partners serving seniors, such as East Side Neighborhood Services’ Senior Food
Visit 2harvest.org/volunteer for more information. Shelf. The food shelf is client-choice, where people choose their own foods. The staff helps
July 8 – September 30 • Minneapolis Farmers Market
clients select a balanced mix of foods, and even offers recipes to make sure that people
Join us as we partner with the Minneapolis Farmers Market and
will enjoy the meals they make.
Mosaic to collect over 200,000 pounds of fresh, local produce for
our hungry neighbors. You can help by buying an extra bag of A key element of the food shelf’s success is that it’s designed specifically to meet the
produce at the market or by volunteering. needs of seniors, and staffed by people who understand what they’re going through.
Visit 2harvest.org/volunteer for more information. As Associate Director Susan McCauley puts it, “We make the experience one that is
dignified and respectful, and doesn’t stigmatize them.”
Support Second Harvest Heartland and help provide for more seniors in need
by making a gift today at 2harvest.org/seniormeals.
2 Spring 2012 Spring 2012 3

3. inside the
numbers:
our 2011
annual report
The next pages feature a sneak peek at the
Second Harvest Heartland Annual Report, a look
The facility is specially designed to
inside what you helped us accomplish in 2011.
accommodate large groups of volunteers.
On the following pages, you’ll find facts and figures
about our improving efficiency, the growing number
As a supporter of Second Harvest Heartland, you already know of volunteers who get involved, and the stat that
matters most: the number of meals you’ve helped us
we’re committed to transforming hunger relief so that, together,
provide to our hungry neighbors.
we can sustainably feed our hungry neighbors.
You’ll also find the stories of some of the individual
• Second Harvest Heartland West is open for business •
But they keyword is “together”—our community partners,
and corporate donors who truly went above and
including you, are a crucial part of the work we do. There’s no
beyond in 2011. Without contributions like theirs,
question that without your contributions, we simply would not
we could never do what we do. We can’t thank them
have the ability to feed our hungry neighbors to the extent that enough for their efforts.
we do today—and that we need to do tomorrow. We hope you’ll
In case you missed it, this March marked We’re proud to present our 2012 Hunger
make use of some of the exciting new features of our new space,
the opening of our new west-side facility, Heroes. The Hunger Hero awards were
and get even more involved in the fight against hunger here in
Second Harvest Heartland West. Located created to honor and recognize organizational
the heartland.
partners who helped make a compassionate
at 6325 Sandburg Road in Golden Valley,
and transformational impact on those who are
our new building replaced our old service hungry in the heartland. Each of the six winners
center in northeast Minneapolis and now Features of Second Harvest Heartland West have played critical roles in our mission to end
houses all the functions and activities that hunger through community partnerships.
• Capacity for volunteer groups of 100+
took place there. But not just that—Second The need in our community is growing, but we’re
Harvest Heartland West is nearly 50% • olunteer opportunities for families and youth, ages 8 and up
V growing, too. And we have the data to prove it.
Thanks for reading.
larger than our old space, and can host • ommunity Room and Celebration Room: conference and
C
more than four times as many volunteers celebration space for large meetings and small gatherings
in a single day—up to 400 people! To read the entire 2011 Second Harvest Heartland
Annual Report, visit 2harvest.org/financials.
This is an exciting time for Second Harvest Heartland and our
partners. While our new building is exciting in and of itself, the
Thanks to the new Second Harvest Heartland facility in
Golden Valley, volunteering is more convenient than ever most important feature is the capacity for growth—growth in
2011: INSIDE THE NUMBERS
for people in the west metro. With your help, our new demand for food, growth in introduction of new food sources,
warehouse will be filled with the nutritional foods that and growth with the opportunities we know will arise in the
our hungry neighbors so desperately need. coming years. Second Harvest Heartland West will have a
tremendous impact on our collective ability to transform hunger
relief in our communities, and we hope that you’ll share in this YOUR 2012 HUNGER HEROES
exciting time with us.
Log on to 2harvest.org/volunteer to register to volunteer, or email
us at info@2harvest.org to get more information about reserving
a room for your next meeting or celebration. DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
4 Spring 2012 Spring 2012 5

4. second harvest heartland proudly presents
Total Total YOUr
Volunteers Hours proudly presents
2009
7,533
2009
37,397
2012 HUNGER HEROES
2010 2010 VOLUNTEER
Financial
9,068 45,707 Partner with the leading financial impact
Partner with the largest impact on
operational productivity via
on hunger relief programs.
2011 2011 ’12 ’12
donated time and labor.
Percentage of every donation 11,962 61,000
that goes to programs The Mosaic Company has made a General Mills has a long-standing
PANTONE
5635C
PANTONE
404C
commitment to hunger relief at both a
significant impact on the lives of our
hungry neighbors through various corporate and an employee level. The
VOLU manufacturer of many beloved brands
NT generous financial contributions. In 2011,
EE 2012 Projection ®
Mosaic was the lead supporter of our encourages personal philanthropy
CY R
2010 EN C Fellowship of the Fresh initiative at the
Minneapolis Farmers Market as well as
among employees, and about 82
percent of domestic General Mills
94% A
O
CI
employees volunteer, accounting
15,000
N
the second annual matching sponsor for
FI
TR
GiveMN.org’s Give to the Max Day. for 851 hours contributed to Second
EF
LOOK INSIDE
Harvest Heartland in 2011.
IB
UT
2011 72,700
ION
95.2% THE NUMBERS food awareness
S
Partner with outstanding value and Partner generating outstanding visibility
volume of donated food. in delivery of programs.
’12 ’12
Getting better
PRICE
PANTONE PANTONE
5763C 145C
The Schwan Food Company is known The National Association of Letter
at what we do
for providing good food with a Carriers Branch 9, Minneapolis and
community focus, and now that focus Branch 28, St. Paul has been a strong
PE
D
centers on local families in need. force in raising awareness of hunger
every year.
DE
R
Food is the core of our business, and relief in our community. As part of
PO
VI
54,687,560 generous donors like Schwan who Stamp Out Hunger 2011, 2,000 letter
O
contribute healthy, nutritious food are
UN
carriers collected nearly 1 million
D P
R
DI LS
crucial to our work. pounds of donated food in a single day.
ST
RIB MEA 46,562,500
UTE
D
$
green
innovation
Retail partner with outstanding
38,359,375 Partner with unique vision and volume
2008 delivery of a program or product.
contribution to the “rescue” of food
(produce, dairy, meat and bakery).
$0.207 ’12 ’12
2009 32,265,625
The Minneapolis Farmers Market
With more than 5 million pounds of
PANTONE PANTONE
384C
$0.226
697C
has partnered with Second Harvest
fresh food donated to our Food Rescue
to increase the amount of fresh food
program, Target continued a strong
available to food shelves, securing more
2010 than 275,000 pounds of fresh-picked fruits
tradition of fighting hunger. Target is
$0.250 and vegetables that otherwise would have
dedicated to hunger relief on a local
and national level, piloting the Meals
gone to waste. The partnership has set a
for Minds initiative and encouraging
2011 strong example of out-of-the-box thinking
employees to volunteer in the fight
$0.209 2008 2009 2010 2011
for food shelves looking to start their own
against hunger.
market collections.
Spring 2012 7
6 7

5. C O RP O R A TE Individual • Ann Pedretti
Second Harvest Heartland has experienced tremendous success for GiveMN.org’s Give to the Max Day
INDI V IDU A L
event the past couple of years. In 2011, a special group of donors stepped up to generate an additional
pool of matching funds—and Ann Pedretti of Pedretti Consulting, Inc. was one of those donors.
As an independent contractor and owner of a consulting business, Ann understands how important
it is to run on a budget. “I am very careful about the charities I choose to support,” she told us, “and
DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
Second Harvest Heartland’s expense ratio and efficiencies are impressive.”
n Month. business is a community partner and we like to support Second Harvest Heartland as one of the
nger Actio
a .to
“My
s To Doondotete support local organizations in the same way. “It’s a win-win.”
Septe mber is Hu most efficient providers in helping people in need,” Ann said. She also challenges other businesses
In addition to our Hunger Heroes, Second Harvest Heartland is pleased to recognize the following corporate 2 Way eckout r na
at ch Special thanks to Ann and Pedretti Consulting, Inc. for the generous commitment.
and individual donors who have made a great impact on our hungry friends and neighbors. Donate $1 ins.
signated b
foo d at the de
Cause Marketing • Give a Little, Feed a Lot
Corporate • Residential mortgage group
The inaugural Give a Little, Feed a Lot campaign launched in 2011 and was a great success, raising nearly
Since 2007, Residential Mortgage Group has offered a special incentive to its customers: For each referral- $150,000 and nearly 750,000 pounds of food for Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota Feeding America
based loan that they close, RMG donates $100 to the referred client’s choice of school, police station or fire food banks and local food shelves and pantries. The campaign’s success is thanks to unique contributions
department. The “Refer a Friend. Build Your Community.” program has resulted in $1 million donated from Cub Foods, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, KSTP and MOM Brands, who partnered to drive donations as
well as awareness.
to these great causes. But in 2010, RMG realized that the cause of hunger was going overlooked in
“Hunger relief is a critical social responsibility issue for Cub Foods,” said Cub Food President Brian
our community, so they added Second Harvest Heartland as a choice for donation. RMG has
Audette. “Along with our partners at Snapple, MOM Brands, and KSTP, we were able to join forces to
contributed more than $86,000 to the fight against hunger in just over a year. raise much needed food, cash, and awareness during September’s Hunger Action Month. Give a Little,
RMG President Steve Sherwood puts the effort into perspective. “We’ve been blessed, Feed a Lot drive is one of many programs Cub supports to address food insecurity.”
and we’re able to. Why not give back?” The campaign was a true partnership, bringing together many great organizations in creative ways.
RMG and their clients have helped provide more than 420,500 meals to the
hungry children, seniors and families in our community. We sincerely Corp © 2011
Snapple Bev
erage Corp
Beverage
pports of Snapple
proudly su trademarks
thank them for their efforts.
stered
Event • Taste of the Vikings
TH are regi
FF ON EAR
BEST STU
FROM THE
and MADE
SNAPPLE
For more than 20 years, the Taste of the NFL organization has been working to kick hunger. Spearheaded
and founded by local restaurateur and Second Harvest Heartland supporter Wayne Kostroski, the party
with a purpose has been making a huge impact on hunger relief both locally and nationwide.
“We’re proud to be able to make a difference in the hunger relief community through Taste of the NFL
events like Taste of the Vikings,” Wayne told us. “These events could not exist without tremendous
food • kowalski’s support from teams like the Vikings, dedicated chefs and players, countless volunteers and food
banks like Second Harvest Heartland doing important work in our communities.”
The Second Harvest Heartland Food Rescue Program is an Special thanks to Wayne and the rest of the Taste of the NFL organization for the ongoing support
innovative solution for grocery retailers seeking to eliminate waste of our work.
and also give something back to the community. Fresh food through
this program accounted for nearly 20% of our distribution in 2011, thanks
in large part to donations from nine Kowalski’s Markets.
“With so many people who could use this food, it’s a shame when it goes to waste,” Volunteer • Barb Miller
said Kowalski’s Executive Assistant Deb Kowalski. “The reward is in knowing that it’s For the past five years, Barb Miller has dedicated countless hours of time to make our annual gala, Dish:
going to people in our community who need it. It could be anyone who needs help, so it’s Cuisine for Change a tremendous success. Barb has assisted with event preparation and setup as well
important to do anything we can – as a community – to help those who need help.” as participating in the event as an attendee and generous contributor. She’s also a part of the auction
committee, helping secure items for the event’s live and silent auction.
Kowalski’s is a pioneer in food recovery that has partnered with Second Harvest Heartland for more than
“Barb is such an important part of the Dish team, but is also a great friend to Second Harvest Heartland
two decades. As the need for fresh, nutritious food grows, Kowalski’s contributions are an invaluable resource. and to me,” said Heidi Yankovec, Events Manager for Second Harvest Heartland. “She always has
such a positive attitude—everyone just loves working with her.”
On behalf of all of us at Second Harvest Heartland, thank you, Barb for your generous gifts of all
kinds, and for your positive spirit!
8 9

6. Voices of Hunger
The front lines of hunger relief
A gift from your estate is an easy but powerful way to
An Unexpected make a lasting difference in the lives of so many in our
Beyond
Above
community. To plan your legacy gift to Second Harvest
Legacy of Giving
Heartland or for more information, contact Jill Leonard
Second Harvest Heartland recently received two at 651-209-7943 or email at jleonard@2harvest.org. You
JANE SHADE: very generous legacy gifts. The gifts were quite can also visit our website at 2harvest.org/plannedgifts.
unexpected, but it was the story they revealed about
Volunteer Coordinator
“I feel very grateful and humbled that I get the connection of two lifelong donors that was the
More than 12,000 volunteers graciously donated their time to true surprise. Cross official. She retired from the State of Minnesota
to work alongside very compassionate and
Second Harvest Heartland in 2011. Their contributions totaled Board of Pharmacy and is remembered by family
generous volunteers every day.” The late Vera Likins and Alice Hummer left us their
more than 61,000 hours and equaled the output of 25 full-time and friends for her deep devotion to her family and
bequest gifts in the same manner in which they had made
employees. Needless to say, volunteers are a huge part of why generous love for all.
-Jane Shade their lifetime giving: quietly and without fanfare. The
we’re able to do what we do, and it’s vital that we make the most Although five years apart in age, the sisters were
of our volunteers’ contributions while offering an experience
that will leave them wanting to come back. they are at in life and what they hope to get out of volunteering. an extra effort for our extremely close—a bond they both treasured. They
shared not only a love for travel but also a strong
That’s where Jane Shade comes in. As a Second Harvest
Then I get to share Second Harvest Heartland’s work and hungry neighbors desire to help others and give back
mission. It’s exciting to mutually decide on a volunteer role they
Heartland Volunteer Coordinator, Jane makes sure that every to their communities.
can connect with and find meaningful.”
volunteer’s experience is as fulfilling as it is productive, whether gifts Vera and Alice left will help make transformational They privately discussed
it’s packing boxes in our warehouse, helping out at a special event With our new facility open in Golden Valley, the opportunities changes in the lives of many for countless years to come, the organizations each
or working on a skill-based project. She works diligently to not for volunteers new and old are practically endless, making a fact that indeed deserves fanfare. felt important to support,
only fill the hundreds of volunteer opportunities, but to make sure Jane’s job that much more exciting. In addition to simply with their focus on human
The two selfless women passed away three years apart
they’re filled with those who are passionate about the position. being more convenient to volunteers in the west metro, the services and higher
and besides sharing a generous spirit, they appeared
new facility was designed with volunteers in mind, offering education. Second Harvest
“I work closely with both new and regular volunteers, trying to to share no connection—until Alice’s obituary revealed
the space and amenities to accommodate larger groups than Heartland was high on their
match each volunteer’s interests, passions and skills to a project,” a detail that deserves to be shared. They were sisters.
ever before. “Accommodating larger groups means that we list because of our ability to
Jane says. “We try to make sure that everyone, from skill-based We asked Alice’s daughter to share the story of two
can sort and pack more food, which means we can distribute fulfill a basic need—providing
individuals to large groups, feels that they accomplished what sisters who would affect so many lives.
more food to our hungry neighbors in need,” Jane says. food for hungry children,
they set out to do when they volunteered with us.” Alice and Vera grew up in southern Minnesota
“And that’s the ultimate goal.”
families and seniors. The sisters
Second Harvest Heartland is always evolving to meet the growing during the depression. A modest family income from
Whether she’s guiding the energy, enthusiasm and new ideas realized and appreciated the
need in our community, and that means more and different their father’s carpentry business taught them to live
of a first-time volunteer or the experience leadership and efficiencies of our organization
volunteer opportunities to fill every day. It’s a task that keeps frugally and appreciate the ability to provide for the
consistency of lifelong regulars, Jane truly enjoys her work. and our ability to utilize every
Jane constantly on her toes, but one that allows her to regularly necessities in life. It was these early lessons that
“I feel very grateful and humbled that I get to work alongside dollar of their gift to its greatest
interact with new volunteers, a part of the job she relishes. shaped the sisters’ philanthropic interests later in life.
very compassionate and generous volunteers every day.” potential. Values carried with
“My favorite part of the job is having the initial conversation A move to the Twin Cities brought new educational them from their childhood.
To volunteer at Second Harvest Heartland,
with an interested individual about volunteering,” she says. “I and employment opportunities. Vera, a University
visit 2harvest.org/volunteer. As wonderful as it would have been to meet and thank
enjoy learning about their passions, skills, background, where of Minnesota graduate, worked in civil service for
Alice and Vera in person, we are grateful to have
the state of Minnesota, and was recognized for her
made their connection, and we’re proud to include the
effort and commitment with an appointment to the
10 Spring 2012 sisters in a special place among the Second Harvest
post of Commissioner of Public Welfare by Governor
Wendell Anderson. Alice held various community Heartland family.
positions, including a time as a Chicago area Red
Spring 2012 11
CUISINE FOR CHANGE
Bremer Bank takes action against hunger again
A sincere thanks to the individuals, sponsoring companies, restaurants, 1 in 5 children in America For the seventh consecutive year, Bremer Bank is Taking Action to End Hunger
auction donors and volunteers who made Dish: Cuisine for Change lives at risk of hunger. during the month of June by raising funds for Second Harvest Heartland and other
When babies or young kids go without food, they are likely to Feeding America food banks in their territory. Again this year, Bremer will match
a tremendous success. This year’s event raised more than $500,000 suffer from deficiencies that hinder their learning and growth. every donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000!
and attracted nearly 1,000 attendees. With the funds raised at Dish,
Presented by During the month of June, donations will be accepted online at Bremer.com or at
we’ll continue to collect and distribute even more food through any Bremer Bank location. Make a gift in June to double your dollar!
Harvest to Home this year. Thank you! Take action today to end hunger by making a donation.
Bremer Bank will match it dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000.

7. Nonprofit
Organization
US Postage Paid
Second Harvest
1140 Gervais Ave., St. Paul, MN 55109-2020 Heartland
Cause and Effects 54,687,500 meals
You supported the cause. provided in 2011!
Here is the change you’ve effected.
70.0
More food to more people, every year.
Thanks to your generous contributions of food, funds and time, Second Harvest
Heartland has nearly doubled the amount of food we were able to distribute
59.6
just five years ago. In 2011, we provided more than 54.6 million meals
to our hungry friends and neighbors. Thanks for all you do, and we
look forward to providing food for even more of our neighbors in 2012.
Pounds of Food (millions)
49.1
41.3
Contact Info 34.4
Second Harvest Heartland
Phone: 651.484.5117
Toll Free: 888.339.3663
Fax: 651.484.1064
2harvest.org
®
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011