SWEET CORN'S
JOURNEY
FROM FARM TO FOOD BANK
OUR BELIEF
Nine years ago, a powerful belief sparked a revolution: too much food is being wasted while hunger haunts our agricultural-rich Kansas City. It’s a baffling irony that in a region abundant with crops, so many face food insecurity. But out of our refusal to accept this status quo, After the Harvest was born out of a simple conviction: no one deserves to go hungry.
THE CHALLENGE
Heart-wrenching issues of hunger and food waste are pervasive across the country, where an estimated 52% of all U.S.-grown produce never reaches a supermarket shelf. This is because Grade A standards require strict regulation on size, shape, and color of fruits and vegetables. Globally, around one-third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, according to the Food and Agricultural Organization.
THE IMPACT OF WASTE
Did you know that when fruits and vegetables decompose in landfills, it harms the environment? When these organic materials break down, they release gases called methane and nitrous oxide. These gases are bad for our planet because they contribute to climate change. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, while nitrous oxide can also warm the Earth and damage the ozone layer. Both are 25 times and 298 times respectively more powerful than carbon dioxide.
OUR SOLUTION
Introducing After the Harvest: where passion meets purpose. Founded in 2014, we collaborate closely with local farmers, rescuing fresh, wholesome produce that would otherwise go to waste. By delivering it directly to agencies serving those in need, including shelters, food banks, and pantries, we tackle food insecurity head-on while nurturing communities and promoting a sustainable future.
A SWEET SIGNATURE
In 2022, After the Harvest launched its first signature annual event, the
Amaizing Sweet Corn Glean-A-Thon & Festival. Thanks to our incredible partner farmers, our volunteers are able to harvest fresh, purpose-grown sweet corn.
By cultivating this delectable crop exclusively for us, they replace our traditional method of relying on leftover fields and orchards. Together, we’re revolutionizing the way we harvest, ensuring a bountiful and delightful experience for all while reducing waste and maximizing community impact.
NOURISHING OUR COMMUNITY
Our corporate sponsors’ unwavering commitment fuels our annual Amaizing Sweet Corn Glean-A-Thon and Festival, as they not only provide essential financial support but also assemble dedicated volunteer teams, ensuring the successful harvest of our precious corn crops. Together, we transform surplus into nourishment, making a tangible impact on food security in our communities.
HARVESTING HOPE
Step into the fruitful world of our Sweet Corn Glean-A-Thon! As teams embark on their harvesting adventure, they are equipped with gleaning essentials: t-shirts, water bottles, and cooling towels. Assigned a dedicated portion of the sweet corn fields, they have a focused 3-hour window to gather the ripe ears. The bountiful harvest is collected in bins, weighed, and bagged for distribution to local agencies combating food insecurity, like food banks and soup kitchens. Volunteers witness firsthand the transformative impact they make in their community, fostering a healthier and stronger Kansas City for all.
CULTIVATING CHANGE
Join the movement and be a part of something extraordinary!
The Amaizing Sweet Corn Glean-A-Thon is a collective endeavor with a monumental impact. You can make a difference by becoming a corporate sponsor, forming a volunteer team, or even growing sweet corn for us. Together, we’ll continue to tackle food insecurity, reduce waste, and nourish our communities. Let’s cultivate change and harvest a sweeter future for all.
