In a world where the simple acts of sharing and community care often get overshadowed by busy schedules and global challenges, a story from the small town of Terrace, British Columbia, shines brightly. On December 6, 2024, over 1,600 pounds of frozen bread, including sourdough and other varieties, made its way to Terrace, destined to nourish families and individuals in need. This heartwarming event, organized by Second Harvest, Canada’s largest food rescue organization, and facilitated locally by the Kalum Community School Society, is a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring spirit of generosity. This story is a reminder of what sourdough truly represents. Beyond its crackling crust and tangy crumb, sourdough embodies history, culture, resilience, and kindness. The donation of bread is not just about sustenance—it’s about fostering human connection, honoring traditions, and building a future where no one goes hungry.
Second Harvest: Canada’s Champion Against Food Waste and Hunger
For nearly four decades, Second Harvest has been at the forefront of addressing two pressing crises in Canada: food insecurity and food waste. Founded in 1985 in Toronto, this visionary organization began humbly, rescuing surplus food from restaurants and grocery stores and delivering it to local charities. Today, it has grown into Canada’s largest food rescue charity, with an extensive network of 4,400 food donors and 7,500 non-profit partners, working tirelessly across every province and territory. Second Harvest’s mission is elegantly straightforward yet profoundly impactful: to keep edible food where it belongs—on plates—and out of landfills. The statistics they address are staggering. Every year, nearly 46% of all food produced in Canada is wasted.
At the same time, over 8.7 million Canadians face food insecurity, with 1 in 4 unsure of where their next meal will come from. This juxtaposition of abundance and deprivation is the driving force behind Second Harvest’s work. By collaborating with businesses across the food supply chain, Second Harvest rescues surplus food that might otherwise be discarded due to overproduction, cosmetic imperfections, or logistical challenges. This food, still fresh and nutritious, is redistributed to non-profits and charities serving vulnerable populations, including food banks, shelters, schools, and Indigenous communities. Through their efforts, millions of meals are provided annually, alleviating hunger while mitigating the environmental impact of food waste.
The Bread Delivery: A Tapestry of Care and Coordination
The arrival of 1,600 pounds of bread in Terrace was no ordinary delivery. It was a moment woven together by determination, teamwork, and compassion. The shipment included sourdough, rye, and other varieties of bread, frozen and pre-packaged, ensuring that it could be stored and distributed efficiently. The bread had been declared surplus—not because it was unfit for consumption, but because of surplus production and logistical factors. Rather than letting this food go to waste, it found its way into the hands of those who needed it most. Kalum Community School Society, a local organization dedicated to supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity, took charge of the distribution.
Led by program manager Gurjeet Parhar, a dedicated team of volunteers worked tirelessly to unload the bread from a semi-trailer, organizing it into pallets. From there, the bread was distributed throughout the region, reaching communities as far north as Dease Lake. This is not the first collaboration between Second Harvest and the Kalum Community School Society. In 2022, Second Harvest coordinated the delivery of 45,000 pounds of Prince Edward Island potatoes to Terrace, a vital resource for families in the area. Previous donations have also included rice and apples, further highlighting the importance of consistent and reliable food rescue programs. These moments of giving remind us that even small towns like Terrace play a significant role in the larger tapestry of food security. They showcase the extraordinary impact of ordinary people coming together to solve big challenges.
The Dual Impact: Alleviating Hunger and Protecting the Planet
At first glance, the donation of bread to families in Terrace might appear to be a simple act of charity, but its implications run much deeper. It addresses two interconnected global challenges: hunger and environmental degradation. On one hand, the bread directly supports individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Bread is a dietary staple, providing a versatile and nourishing base for meals. For many, it represents comfort, sustenance, and dignity. For those receiving the bread, this donation is not just a source of nourishment—it’s a reminder that they are not forgotten.
On the other hand, this initiative underscores the critical need to tackle food waste. When food is discarded, it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Decomposing organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change. By rescuing surplus food and redistributing it, organizations like Second Harvest prevent unnecessary emissions, reduce strain on natural resources, and promote a more sustainable food system. Every pound of food saved is a step towards a healthier planet.
How You Can Support Second Harvest and Make a Difference
The story of Second Harvest and the bread delivered to Terrace is inspiring, but it also calls us to action. There are many ways you can contribute to the mission of ending food waste and hunger in Canada:
- Donate Funds: Monetary donations enable Second Harvest to expand its operations, covering transportation costs, storage, and logistics. Every dollar contributes to rescuing and redistributing food that might otherwise be wasted.
- Donate Food: If you’re part of a business that deals with food production, retail, or distribution, consider contributing your surplus food to Second Harvest. Their streamlined systems ensure your donations reach those in need safely and efficiently.
- Volunteer: Whether you’re an individual or part of a corporate group, volunteering your time can make a tangible difference. Tasks like sorting, packing, and delivering food are essential to the success of food rescue programs.
- Raise Awareness: Share the mission of Second Harvest within your community. Advocate for policies that reduce food waste and support food security initiatives. By bringing attention to these issues, you can inspire others to get involved.
- Host Fundraisers: Organize events that benefit Second Harvest. From bake sales and cooking classes to larger corporate initiatives like the Truck Pull Challenge, every event can bring people together while supporting a vital cause.
Sourdough and the Spirit of Giving: A Call to Action
As members of The Sourdough People community, we understand that sourdough is much more than bread. It’s a living tradition, a labor of love, and a symbol of humanity’s shared history. Sourdough represents connection—to the earth, to culture, and to each other. This holiday season, let’s extend the spirit of sourdough beyond our kitchens and into our communities. Whether it’s donating a portion of your sourdough sales, organizing a charity bake-off, or volunteering with organizations like Second Harvest, there are countless ways to give back. Every loaf shared, every dollar donated, and every hour volunteered is a step towards a world where no one goes hungry, and no food goes to waste. Let’s come together, as bakers, food lovers, and compassionate individuals, to spread the warmth and nourishment of sourdough. Together, we can bake a brighter, kinder future—one loaf, one meal, and one act of kindness at a time.
Visit Second Harvest today to learn how you can join the movement.
