OUR VALUES
Because we believe that access to nutritious food is a basic human right, we are committed to meeting the needs of our community through food distribution and supportive services. Therefore, we uphold the following values:
We value respect, compassion, and honesty in all interactions and activities.
We value active listening and continuous learning, recognizing and honoring the inherent worth of each individual.
We value the responsible and thoughtful use of resources, seeking innovative ways to strengthen our services while effectively engaging community support that sustains our mission.
We value our volunteers and the diverse talents, backgrounds, passion, and commitment they bring to serving the community.
We value excellence in leadership, striving to serve as servant leaders and collaborative partners for positive change.
We value creativity, the pursuit of knowledge, and the sharing of expertise, all of which contribute to improved lives and stronger communities.
OUR MISSION
To foster a community that respects the dignity of every human being, where everyone has access to nutritious foods and health resources. We will build authentic, non-judgmental relationships and welcome varied opinions and backgrounds.
An Evolving Mission
From June 2022 through December 2024, we were facilitators for the Brazos Mobile Food Pantry in partnership with the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Over those two and a half years, we had 12,162 visits and provided supplemental nutrition to 52,174 individuals.
In February 2024, we became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and began exploring options for a permanent, brick-and-mortar pantry. After securing an affordable location, we held our first on-site distribution on May 24, 2025.
52,174+
Happy individuals
Our Beginnings
A Hopeful Harvest had its origins in the summer of 2021, when the Episcopal Health Foundation’s (EHF) Congregational Engagement Team launched a Poverty Transformation Cohort. The program was designed to help congregations move from charity-based, transactional ministries to more transformative, community-engaged approaches rooted in “proximity to the poor.”
During the course of the program, the idea emerged to address local food insecurity through the creation of a food pantry. Perseverance led to a partnership with the Brazos Valley Food Bank. Through this process, an under-served population in Bryan was identified, and the Food Bank approved a mobile food pantry with the long-term goal of developing a brick-and-mortar location.
Beginning in June 2022, the Brazos Mobile Food Pantry held monthly distributions on the fourth Saturday of each month, serving thousands of families across the Brazos Valley. Building on this foundation, A Hopeful Harvest now serves the community from a permanent location and continues to grow, adapt, and develop new ways to meet evolving need.
4+ years
Serving the Brazos Valley Community
Directors and Advisors
Directors
Rose Eder
David Fackler
Lindsey Gonzalez
Lee Jennings
Mary & Rob Johnson
Doris Machinski
Rachel Meade
Kirby Nichols
Maria Rosas
Elizabeth Stanton - Student Representative
Jeff Sweat
Advisors
Angelita Garcia Alonzo
The Reverend Dan DeLeon
Max Gerall
Blake Jennings
Farida Lahkani
Judith Moreno