We Are at a Crossroads

Hanover Against Hunger is at an inflection point, a true crossroads.  There can be no doubt that the organization can be proud of what has been achieved in the 14 years it has been coordinating meal packing events.  Almost 600,000 meals have been sent around the world to feed those facing serious food challenges.  $200,000 has been raised and seven packing events have been held involving thousands of volunteers who worked together joyfully with a single mission in a spirit of care, cooperation and concern.

Due in part to the enthusiasm exhibited during those events and in response to questions about the need to provide food not only to those in distant lands, but also to our neighbors, HAH will hold its first packing event preparing food to be distributed right here in our immediate area. We have shared our plans with the community through our website, newsletters, social media, public meetings and by attending local events.

We have sought increased participation in our efforts to expand our reach by bringing the mission home.  It was our hope that by combining our traditional focus of providing food to those around the world with a call to work with local organizations to address that same need here at home, we could stimulate even more enthusiasm and participation.

Unfortunately, we have not witnessed the ground swell of support we had hoped for.  If Hanover Against Hunger is to continue, beyond our scheduled local meal packing event this November, we must find others in our community who share our passion and want to lead the organization forward. Without the support of new leadership on the board and committees and without participation beyond volunteering for packing events themselves, HAH may not survive.  The success of the packing events is directly related to the commitment of time and energy behind the scenes.

As we move toward “expanding” our mission to include our first local meal packing event, we are also considering the prospect of going even further. We have been actively discussing a major step for HAH which would move the organization beyond simply acting as a host of individual packing events, to that of an organization which works with others to host their own events. This could include churches, businesses and corporations, service organizations or other groups interested in helping to feed the hungry through a broader region outside Hanover, reaching into more of York and Adams counties and beyond.

It is ironic that we as we consider “expanding” in this way, we are facing what appears to be an inability to find those willing to step up to join in leading Hanover Against Hunger to continue and expand its mission. A number of the current board members have been involved since our founding.  Most are older individuals and some have recently had to scale back on their involvement.  That being the case, it is imperative that we identify and involve new leaders who are willing to take the reins and build on the solid foundation which has been established.

We must face the facts, however. Without a needed spark of commitment and enthusiasm, we may be faced with the prospect that HAH may have run its course. It is up to you.

We are offering this survey as a way of assessing where we stand and where we may be going.  Thank you for your past support and your participation in this survey to help chart our future course.

Survey Link:  https://forms.gle/bwtvmbqiHkTyVc6b6