Hungry Harvest is marking its 10th anniversary, a milestone that prompts reflection on the journey so far. Ten years ago, when we launched, the world was a different place. Barack Obama was president, the Orioles were good, and gas prices stood at $2.99 a gallon. Back then, concepts like ugly produce were relatively unknown, and funding for food as medicine programs was scarce. At just 21, fresh out of the University of Maryland, I embarked on this path of entrepreneurship and it has defined my entire career and adult life since. Hard to believe I’ve been doing this for 1/3rd of my life! My mentor, early investor, and dear friend, Jeff Cherry always emphasizes the importance of authenticity. As I try to articulate my feelings about this significant milestone, I strive to honor his advice. Honestly, I’m feeling a mix of emotions. There’s a deep sense of exhaustion from the constant fundraising. The ongoing challenge of organizing multiple departments to get everyone to communicate. The myriad administrative tasks, like accounting, IT, bill payments, taxes, and proper registration that come with running a business. Some of these tasks suck the soul out of me like a dementor. Yet I also feel a profound sense of motivation. I’m invigorated by the progress of food as medicine as an industry. I’m determined to improve the working experience and career paths of my colleagues. I’m driven to bring healthy food to more people’s homes, regardless of their ability to afford our services, and to shape the future of the food industry. A decade ago, I recognized that persistence and learning would be crucial to Hungry Harvest’s success, and those skills remain paramount today. Persistence requires a mindset that refuses to break, while learning demands humility. Today at age 31, I practice these skills daily. They’ve enabled me to build Hungry Harvest to the point where I could afford to buy a home, start a family, and find more happiness than I ever imagined. Speaking of persistence, I find myself working just as hard, if not harder, in year 10 as I did on day one. No one tells you that! And that’s okay. In terms of learning, one of the practices I have picked up over the years is mindfulness. It has given me insights and awareness into how my brain functions - for example how my motivations have evolved over the years. Initially, I was driven by impact, scaling, experiementing, and the prospect of a big exit. Today, I’m still motivated by impact and learning, but also by creating a better workplace and achieving financial freedom for my family, rather than exclusively personal gain. As we embark on our second decade, I’m excited to see how my mindset continues to evolve. And for Hungry Harvest, as Kevin Plank likes to say, we’re just getting started! We have delivered millions of boxes to hundreds of thousands of people. Here’s to 10 years and another decade of impact ahead!
Mack Anderson
2mo
Wait but the Orioles are good again 😭Evan Lutz
Marion Schuppe
2mo
Congratulations Evan (and the entire team) for all the work done! I am very glad our path crossed durinh covid (!!) and I am really admirative of your work as a great impactful entrepreneur. Looking forward to seeing how Hingry Harvest will keep improving food systems in the coming decade.
Jamie Norwood
2mo
Congrats Evan and HH squad!! Always so impressed by you and what you've built. I learned so much working with you guys and wouldn't be where I am in my career today without HH. To the next 10!!
Melissa Carrier
1mo
Congratulations on all that you've accomplished and the talented team you've pulled together to transform how we think about food and food systems. So proud!
Marianna Pappas
2mo
Quite an achievement, Evan! Incredibly honored to support you and Hungry Harvest in my role with CVL/CVP. You’re an inspiration to every entrepreneur that comes through our program. #JustKeepSwimming
Matt Barinholtz
2mo
Congrats Evan - as part of the Conscious Venture Lab community, you and your team have stood as an example for many cohorts of founders with a social mission. Thanks for helping us see possibilities!
John Balkam
2mo
I'm a customer, and I've gotta say, what you all have built is remarkable. Congrats on this massive milestone Evan Lutz
Sid Sharma
2mo
Congratulations Evan! This journey is an absolute grind, but you guys are doing it the right way. I like to quote Billie Jean King: “pressure is a privilege!”
Food waste and food as medicine: two huge challenges and you’re tackling both! Congrats Evan for your persistence and wishing you great success for your next decade of impact
Production Manager
2moEvan Lutz Many Congrats on the 10th anniversary...Me and my family are always prayful for the success and growth of Hungry Harvest . Thanks for providing the best culture and at home feeling to each and every team member of yours. I believe the world would be a much better place if there are more people like you . I have never worked in a better culture and work environment than what you have established in Hungry Harvest and I always feel proud to have been a minor contributor to the mission and part of Hungry Harvest. May God keeps Blessing you and your family and continuous growth to Our Hungry Harvest. I ll be happiest to see it grow under your leadership.