Harvest Drive Mission Statement
The mission of Harvest Drive, Inc. is to reduce the devastating effects of food insecurity in Broward County. We do this by inspiring and empowering Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) students, civic organizations, community partners, and business partners. Together we provide non-perishable food and toiletries, as well as new and gently used essential clothing and household items to children and families struggling to meet basic needs.
History of the Organization
The Harvest Drive was founded in August of 1992 at Country Isles Elementary School in Broward County. Now, in its 30th year of service, Harvest Drive’s reach and impact have grown exponentially. What began as a humble effort to teach students the importance of giving back to their community has become a much stronger force for good. Each November more than 190 Broward County public schools, as well as many private schools, civic organizations, and business partners, join together to provide a week’s worth of groceries and a gift card or perishables to complete a Thanksgiving meal to more than 2400 families. Our Harvest Drive Boutique serves families throughout the year that are referred by Broward County School Social Workers. The Boutique provides an amazing selection of new and gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys, and household items such as bed linens, towels, and kitchen essentials.
Our partnership with the Broward County School Board enables the Harvest Drive to impact tens of thousands of lives each year. Both participants and recipients benefit from being a part of the Harvest Drive. Our Backpack Program, Thanksgiving Drive, Food Box Packings, and Boutique are all opportunities for students and community members to develop leadership skills and give back where they live and work. Our recipient families who are identified through their students, receive much-needed food and household items. The truth is that hunger is scary, uncomfortable, and limiting. Together we can help to reduce the devastating effects of hunger and in doing so make our community a kinder place to live.