The original organization began in 1979 as a food program of Lutheran Social Services Northeast Florida, Inc., and is still controlled by their board of directors.

Truckloads of food are sent to facility partnerships in Gainesville, Lake City and St. Augustine for subsequent pickup in the more distant counties.

The 450 nonprofit organizations that are served by SHNF include ministries, church pantries, medical clinics and senior citizen centers; after-school and summer programs for children; and homeless or abuse shelters.

[5] The current executive director is Bruce Ganger, hired in September 2011 to replace Thomas Mantz, who resigned six months earlier.

Major providers include food supplier ConAgra and retail companies like BJ's Wholesale Club, Publix Super Markets, Target, Walmart, Winn-Dixie and Save-A-Lot.

The food bank relies on donations from individuals and corporate foundations, plus three major events each year to raise awareness and generate additional funding.

[16] The Taste of the NFL is an annual fundraising event that is sanctioned by the National Football League to fight hunger in the 32 American cities with team franchises.

The SHNF is the beneficiary of the gala hosted by the owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Shad Khan, and attended by head coach Gus Bradley, and several players.

The five or six-course formal dinner, which has sold out every year, is staged at EverBank Field's Upper West Touchdown Club.

[19] In addition to the year-round process of recovered food sharing, related activities have been initiated to target specialized needs.

Executive Director Bruce Ganger commented, "Many of the families we serve have kids who were likely benefiting from free or reduced fee school lunches or a weekend BackPack program during the year, so it's only natural that during the summer, food insecurity is on the rise.

"[21] To meet the need, Second Harvest provided 150,000 pounds of fresh produce, canned food and frozen meat for 2,500 families in Jacksonville.

[21] Kids Cafe is a national program begun in 1989 to provide after school care and snacks for children in low income neighborhoods.

SHNF partners with Boys and Girls Clubs, faith-based organizations, and other groups to provide a safe place after school where children can get something nutritious to eat, meet role models and participate in educational and social activities.

[24] The Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides an average of $134.29 worth of food for 47.5 million people per month in the United States as of April 2013.

After the organization receives permission to use a vacant lot in an area that is food insecure, 4' x 4' raised garden beds are constructed, and the volunteers are provided with the tools and guidance needed to be successful.

[28][29] The Health Begins Before Birth program provides at-risk expectant mothers with prenatal vitamins, nutritious meals and guidance during their pregnancies.