Grow with Second Harvest Heartland: Meet Steven, CSFP Coordinator

When Steven relocated to Minnesota from Georgia in 2023, he wasn't just changing locations—he was actively seeking a career with meaning and purpose. While he wasn’t sure exactly where he would end up, he knew he wanted to be part of an organization that connected him to the wider community.

Prior to joining Second Harvest Heartland, Steven’s career consistently revolved around food. His professional experience ranged from managing a shipping team at a pecan farm in Georgia (where he also raised cattle and sheep!) to working in various food distribution warehouses. Given his background and his deep interest in food, he applied for a job at Second Harvest Heartland. "I knew I wanted to work for a nonprofit, specifically something food related, so it just made sense,” he said.

Steven has always believed in the power of food as a unifier. “One of my favorite quotes is from César Chávez, who says, ‘If you want to make a friend, go to their house and eat with them . . . the people that give you their food give you their heart.’”

While growing up, Steven's grandfather was a milkman who instilled in him an appreciation for hard work and an understanding of the important role food plays in building community. "Joining Second Harvest Heartland felt really true to who I am," he says. “Right when I started, I already felt kind of like, 'Oh, I get this. I'm part of it.'”

After gaining experience in the warehouse and learning about different teams within Second Harvest Heartland, Steven became interested in taking on a more direct, neighbor-facing role. He actively sought out opportunities and volunteered wherever he could. This proactive approach led him to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), where he now works directly with seniors. "I love seniors," he says with a big smile. “They’re a population I have always enjoyed working with.”

In his current role, Steven distributes monthly boxes of supplemental food, which often include extra produce, proteins, and even household goods. He loves watching people light up as they discover fresh items in their boxes, transforming a basic necessity into a joyful surprise.

Steven's true superpower lies in his exceptional ability to connect with people. He emphasizes the critical importance of presence and listening, especially in our fast-paced world. “When I go out to see someone, I want there to be dignity in it. I want people to know that someone is glad to see them.”

These interactions bring Steven a sense of purpose in his work and offer neighbors a chance to connect with someone who really cares about their wellbeing. Steven has so many stories about the people he’s worked with—from a senior sharing the happy news of a new granddaughter to a neighbor confiding in him about challenging medical issues. For Steven, these exchanges are about more than just providing a service, they're about building trust and experiencing a moment of human connection. "It feels like they're giving to me in a lot of ways," he says.

Steven's work at Second Harvest Heartland is a powerful example of how one person's dedication can make a difference in countless lives. He's not just distributing food—he's nurturing connections, fostering trust, and affirming the inherent dignity and value of every individual he encounters. It's a reminder that sometimes, the greatest gift we can offer is simply to truly see another person.