Report on the ‘Meating the Need’ Initiative and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

Program Overview and Objectives

For a decade, the Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank (HCH) has operated the “Meating the Need” program. This initiative is designed to provide locally sourced, high-quality protein to food-insecure residents within Hamilton County. The program simultaneously supports local youth in agriculture and strengthens community partnerships, aligning with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Addressing SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The program’s primary function is to combat local food insecurity, a direct contribution to SDG 2: Zero Hunger. The initiative targets the nutritional needs of the community’s most vulnerable populations by providing essential protein.

• An estimated 33,666 residents in Hamilton County face food insecurity.
• This figure includes 7,136 children under the age of 18.
• In the upcoming cycle, the program is projected to acquire 19 animals (nine cattle and ten hogs).
• This acquisition will yield over 5,500 pounds of protein for distribution through local food pantries.

Fostering Youth Development and Economic Opportunity (SDG 1, SDG 4, & SDG 8)

By purchasing livestock from 4-H members at the annual 4-H Livestock Auction, the program provides critical support for youth education and development. This model contributes to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by investing in the next generation of agricultural professionals.

1. Financial proceeds from the sale of animals support 4-H members’ educational and life goals.
2. Participants are still eligible to compete in the livestock auction for separate scholarship funds.
3. The program provides a practical application of agricultural skills and business acumen for young participants.

Building Sustainable Communities and Responsible Production (SDG 11 & SDG 12)

The “Meating the Need” initiative exemplifies a sustainable local food system, which is central to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Sourcing protein locally from 4-H farms reduces food miles and strengthens the connection between agricultural producers and the wider community.

The Power of Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (SDG 17)

The success of the program is a testament to effective multi-stakeholder collaboration, a core principle of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The initiative unites civil society, the private sector, and community organizations to achieve a common objective.

Key Partners Include:

• Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank (HCH)
• Hamilton County 4-H
• The Hamilton County Reporter
• Duke Energy
• First Farmers Bank & Trust
• Local businesses and individual community donors

The Hamilton County Reporter, for instance, has leveraged its annual 4-H results publication by dedicating advertising revenue to the program, increasing its donation by 10 percent this year. Corporate partners like Duke Energy and First Farmers Bank & Trust have also voiced strong support, recognizing the program’s integrated approach to supporting agriculture, youth, and families in need.

Identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
• SDG 1: No Poverty
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Specific SDG Targets

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations, including infants, to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.
     
     Explanation: The article highlights the “Meating the Need” program, which directly aims to provide “healthy LOCAL protein for the county’s most vulnerable kids and families.” It addresses the food insecurity faced by 33,666 residents by providing over 5,500 pounds of food.
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, in particular… family farmers…
     
     Explanation: The program supports local 4-H members, who are part of “farm families,” by purchasing their livestock. This provides income to these young members, helping them “pursue their 4-H, education, and life goals,” thereby supporting the next generation of local food producers.

2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships.
     
     Explanation: The article is a clear example of a multi-stakeholder partnership. It involves a civil society organization (Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank), private sector entities (The Hamilton County Reporter, Duke Energy, First Farmers Bank & Trust), and a community youth organization (4-H). The article states, “This community has an incredible heart for service and our advertisers all stepped up in a big way,” and calls the initiative “a great example of partnerships committed to the greater good.”

3. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
     
     Explanation: Food insecurity is a primary dimension of poverty. The program directly assists “neighbors in need” and “vulnerable kids and families,” addressing the “persistent challenge” of food insecurity for thousands of residents, thus working to alleviate a key aspect of local poverty.

4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… economic or other status.
     
     Explanation: The program targets those grappling with food insecurity, a group facing economic inequality. By providing access to essential nutrition, it helps reduce the gap between affluent residents and “the county’s most vulnerable kids and families,” promoting greater equity in basic needs.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. For Target 2.1 (End Hunger)

   • Indicator: Prevalence of food insecurity.
     
     From the article: The article explicitly states the scale of the problem: “approximately 33,666 residents – including a staggering 7,136 children under 18 years old – grapple with the uncertainty of where their next meal will come from.” This number serves as a baseline indicator.
   • Indicator: Amount of food distributed.
     
     From the article: The program is “set to purchase 19 animals – nine cattle and 10 hogs – that will provide over 5,500 pounds of food.” This is a direct quantitative measure of the program’s output.

2. For Target 2.3 (Support Small-Scale Producers)

   • Indicator: Number of local producers supported.
     
     From the article: The program purchases animals from “LOCAL 4-H members.” The purchase of “19 animals” implies support for the corresponding number of 4-H youth involved in the livestock auction.

3. For Target 17.17 (Partnerships)

   • Indicator: Number and type of organizations involved in the partnership.
     
     From the article: The partnership includes a food bank (HCH), a newspaper (The Reporter), an energy company (Duke Energy), a bank (First Farmers Bank & Trust), and a youth program (4-H), demonstrating a diverse, multi-sector collaboration.
   • Indicator: Financial resources mobilized through partnership.
     
     From the article: The article mentions using “advertising money from our 4-H publication” and that this allowed them “to give a full 10 percent more than last year.” This indicates a quantifiable financial contribution mobilized by the partnership.

Summary of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: readthereporter.com