Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes in Watsonville is a community-based organization dedicated to alleviating hunger among working poor families, farm workers, and elderly, disabled and homeless individuals of the Pajaro Valley. We help sustain the lives of thousands of individuals by assisting them with nutritious food, education and referrals in cooperation with other agencies. We envision a Pajaro Valley community in which all people have access to healthy food and the other basic necessities of life.
Our BIG IDEA is to create grocery bags for families and individuals experiencing homelessness in the South County. These bags will include high-protein foods, water, and non-perishable, easy-to-open items that don’t require refrigeration. Santa Cruz County’s 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) study highlights a significant shift of homelessness to Watsonville, straining existing resources, particularly among older and disabled adults. We are committed to offering unwavering support, dignity, and compassion to those in need one bag at a time.
This year we served 12,376 individuals, including 4,645 children, through our pantry program, as well as 27,875 lunches.
The [express bag] helps me get through the weekend. I have good food for the weekend. It's a huge help.
Todd S. 45-50, unhoused staying at the levee
