We commit to building a thriving community where everyone has nutritious food and essential services to support their health and well-being. Second Harvest confronts food insecurity and its root causes with a commitment to data-driven, transformative solutions—acting with transparency and urgency to meet the immediate needs of those facing hunger. As true stakeholders in our community, we hold ourselves accountable to the people we serve.
We primarily distribute food to nonprofit agencies for food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters with nutrition education. This year we have distributed 10,000,000 pounds of food to our community partners for their clients, members, and patients.
Federal cuts to SNAP (CalFresh) created a hunger cliff for thousands of local families. Second Harvest is standing in the gap, scaling up the local response. Your support allows us to purchase tons of healthy food and strengthen logistics, ensuring our 100+ partners and distribution sites can meet the rising demand.
We anticipate the first wave of SNAP cuts will put thousands of local households; almost 40,000 people, deeper into food insecurity. Second Harvest is the frontline response. Our established network allows us to turn every $1 donated into 3 healthy meals.
Stand with us to ensure no one goes hungry in Santa Cruz County.
After they cut SNAP, I felt so much panic for my kids. But when we got fresh fruit, vegetables and other food we need, it was like breathing again. It's not just the food. It's knowing that people care, that you are not alone.
Maria, anonymous mother, Watsonville
