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Partner Spotlight

Costco

Costco has been a leading donor of fresh produce to our organization for several years, playing an important role in ensuring our neighbors have access to the healthy nutritious foods they desire.

Together, the Duluth and Baxter stores donate over 480,00 pounds of surplus food annually—340,000 pounds of which is fresh produce.

“We are so fortunate to have a partnership with Second Harvest Northland and to be able to donate food to people who live within our communities,” shares Duluth Costco Manager John Kuzas. “I am very fortunate to work for a company that believes in giving back to the community and providing services to the people that live in this area.”

We’re grateful for donors like Costco who make it possible for us to annually ensure over 3 million pounds of fresh and nutritious produce to families, children, and seniors throughout NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin.

After raising his own children, Robert was not expecting to take on another round of parenting duties in his fifties; however, he and his wife assumed care of all children. After his wife passed away, he was left to take care of the kids all by himself. Robert could’ve shut down, given up, but his grandchildren inspired him and gave him purpose.

The kids normally get breakfast and lunch at school, but in the summer months things become more difficult, and Robert needs a little extra help. To help support them, the family receives free summer meals near their home. “Summer meals make it easier to cope. Seeing the kids’ faces when they grab the bags, they’re smiling, they’re happy. It does a lot for them, but more for me because without those meals, we’d be struggling,” he said. “When my wife looks down from heaven, I believe she’s looking at a man who is striving to do the right thing by these kids.”

Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to support 15 counties in NE Minnesota and NW Wisconsin by saving 13 million pounds of food from landfills and supplying enough food for nearly 11 million meals. With your help, we are able to include fresh produce, dairy, and meat so neighbors like Robert and his grandchildren can access healthy and nutritious food.