America's Second Harvest launches new online resource to end hunger

By Pamela Franklin

While most of us have made a smooth transition to Y2K, America’s Second Harvest (ASH) is turning its attention to the millions of Americans who are not able to enjoy such security with the kick-off of its its millennium food drive, Y GO 2 WASTE.

America’s Second Harvest, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief organization, has organized this nationwide food drive to bring stockpiled food into the hands of hungry people. As part of its intensified online efforts the organization is using its web site as a central resource for concerned citizens and the media alike. Web users can find out more about the Y GO 2 WASTE food drive and how to contact their local food banks through the newly redesigned web site www.secondharvest.org.

In keeping with its bold mission to END HUNGER IN AMERICA in the new millennium, the organization redesigned its web site to empower web users with information on hunger issues and give them easy access to tools for change. With its network of nearly 200 local food banks, America’s Second Harvest is uniquely positioned to tell the story of hunger in America. Through frequently updated and dynamic content the new web site will give concerned individuals, policy makers, the media, and corporate donors a comprehensive look at hunger issues in the following ways:

    • Profiles of hungry Americans.
    • Spotlights of innovative food bank programs.
    • Fact sheets on the reasons and circumstances for hunger.
    • Updates on pending legislative issues.
    • Information on inventive partnerships with the food industry

The new web site will further enable the organization to put tools for change directly into the hands of web users. With the click of a mouse a visitor will not only access a wealth of information, but also will be able to locate and contact their local food bank, find out about ways in which to get involved, contact their federal and state representatives, join e-mail alert lists and make secure donations online. The organization hopes to reach people online who have not traditionally been donors.

"America’s Second Harvest’s new web site points to the increasing need for non-profits to occupy the online landscape, as more people in America turn to the World Wide Web as a central source for information and social interaction," said Deborah Leff, America’s Second Harvest President and CEO.

America’s Second Harvest is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization with a national network of nearly 200 regional food banks, serving all 50 states and Puerto Rico, which distributes one billion pounds of donated food and grocery products annually. The America’s Second Harvest network supports approximately 50,000 local charitable agencies, operating more than 94,000 food programs, including food pantries, soup kitchens, women’s shelters, Kids Cafes, and other local organizations that provide food assistance to 26 million hungry Americans, including eight million children and four million seniors each year. Visit www.secondharvest.org for more information.