As the holidays approach, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is calling on the community to come together in the spirit of generosity to address an unprecedented level of need. This year, the Food Bank’s Holiday Food & Fund Drive aims to provide 5.5 million healthy meals for local families, children, seniors, and individuals facing hunger. While many in our community continue to feel the strain of rising costs and uncertainty, Second Harvest is inspiring hope, reminding us that when we come together, we can ensure that every table is full and every neighbor is cared for this holiday season.
Food insecurity is a reality for far too many in Santa Cruz County. One in three people in Santa Cruz County faces hunger, including more than 20,000 children, who rely on the nourishment provided by Second Harvest Food Bank. With federal cuts to safety net programs for the most vulnerable, this need is only expected to grow.
“No one should have to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. During the holiday season, we are inviting our community to be part of the solution,” said Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz CEO Erica Padilla Chavez. “There are many ways to help, including making a contribution or volunteering, both of which can expand our impact exponentially. Every $1 donated provides three nutritious meals, directly supporting more than 70,000 residents who rely on our support every month.”
SHFB’s Reach and Community Partners
As California’s first food bank and the only one serving Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest has long been a cornerstone of community support. Each year, it sources over 10,000,000 pounds of food from farms, grocery stores, food manufacturers, distributors, and individuals, providing healthy food to over 65 distribution partners to share with families, seniors, veterans, and neighbors in need. Second Harvest is providing food at more than 100 sites throughout Santa Cruz County, many operated by its expansive network of nonprofits, schools, churches, and other community organizations, and Second Harvest team members.
Local partnerships are central to Second Harvest’s success. In the 2024–25 fiscal year alone, local farmers, fisheries, and food manufacturers contributed over 5 million pounds of food, representing half of all food distributed. An additional 2.2 million pounds were rescued through the Santa Cruz County Grocery Recovery Program, managed by Second Harvest. This program redirects surplus food to those in need, reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions, while expanding access to nutritious food through bilingual outreach and countywide infrastructure support.
More than Food: A Movement for Health and Dignity
Today, Second Harvest’s work extends far beyond food distribution. Through nutrition education, diaper drives, Healthy Food Boxes for those facing medical challenges, and strong community partnerships, the Food Bank helps families find stability, peace of mind, and lasting health.
Behind every box of produce and every bag of groceries are thousands of volunteers who share in Second Harvest’s mission. From sorting food and managing distribution sites to organizing home deliveries, volunteers are the heart of this community of generosity.
Join the Movement to End Hunger
During this holiday season, amid rising costs and cuts to essential programs, Second Harvest is inviting the community to join their movement to support neighbors in need. By contributing to the 2025 Holiday Fun and Food Drive, co-chaired by Chris Murphy of the Santa Cruz Warriors and Karl Rice of the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, neighbors can help neighbors who are facing difficult times this holiday season. These funds will help support year-round operations as federal and state funding for food programs decline.
For more than five decades, Second Harvest Food Bank has stood as a pillar of support in Santa Cruz County. Today, that mission is more important than ever. Together, we can reach the goal of 5.5 million meals, and ensure that every Santa Cruz County resident has access to the nourishment they need to thrive.
Donate today at thefoodbank.org and celebrate the holidays through the gift of giving and kindness.
