We inspire and support Santa Cruz County to provide nourishment for all community members. We strive to continually improve processes to support inclusive and equitable nutritional food access for all to thrive. At our heart is our distribution of healthy food by delivering foods to nonprofit agencies for their food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters with nutrition education.
This year we have distributed 10,000,000 pounds of food to our community partners to provide to their clients, members, and patients.
Help our community and its partners to thrive!
Did you know there has been a 15% increase in demand on our food bank since the pandemic and atmospheric floods? Your support can help us to provide food to over 73,000 community members at distribution sites through our partner agencies. Every dollar you donate creates three healthy meals for our community providers to serve and will fill pantries with fresh produce, proteins and shelf-stable supplies for families, seniors and the unhoused.
More than 3,200 volunteers help power Second Harvest Food Bank. Founded in 1972, we are the first food bank in California and second in the US, founded by a Black Panther group at UCSC as a Breakfast for Children program.
During these difficult times food prices have increased, and the only person providing for the family is currently unemployed due to seasonal work. Thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank.
Sandra L., mother of two
