Good food fuels strong communities. Yet, in Santa Cruz County and beyond, many of our neighbors are struggling to put meals on the table. This National Nutrition Month, Community Bridges is taking action to ensure that every child, family, and senior in our region has access to nutritious food—but we need your help to make it happen.

The Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity

Since the pandemic began, grocery prices have skyrocketed by more than 25%, making it harder for families to afford basic necessities. Seniors on fixed incomes are skipping meals to pay rent, while childcare providers are fighting to keep up with rising food costs to provide balanced meals to young children.

At the same time, uncertainty at the federal level threatens funding for critical food programs that serve thousands in our community. These programs provide a lifeline to many, yet their future remains uncertain. Now more than ever, we must build resilience in our local food assistance programs to ensure that no matter what happens in Washington, our community remains nourished and strong.

That’s why we’ve set a goal to raise $20,000, portioned out over four nutrition-based programs, this month to sustain and expand these vital services. If you’re able, we invite you to donate. But even if you can’t give financially, there are many other ways to get involved—your time, voice, and advocacy are just as valuable in ensuring no one in our community goes hungry. 

Credit: Community Bridges

Where Your Support Makes an Impact

Every donation to Community Bridges helps fund programs that provide nutritious meals to children, families, and older adults. Here’s how your contributions make a difference:

Healthy Meals for Children (CACFP – Child and Adult Care Food Program)

Your support helps 427 daycare providers serve nutritious meals to 4,716 children every year. Our team provides on-site nutrition, health, and safety education to ensure that meals meet USDA guidelines for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and protein sources. Over the past four years, the number of childcare providers we support has grown by 16.3%, ensuring that more children have access to healthy meals.

Food Distributions for Families (Family Resource Collective)

Many working families in our community face impossible choices between paying rent, utilities, and buying food. Our weekly food distributions help ease this burden, providing fresh groceries like eggs, tuna, chicken, tortillas, and peanut butter. Last year alone, we distributed over 10,000 bags of food to 1,450 residents—benefiting 3,768 household members, including 683 children.

Nutritious Meals for Seniors (Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County)

For 1,700 local seniors, Meals on Wheels provides more than just food—it’s a vital connection to the community. Each day, our team prepares 100 fresh-cooked meals at senior dining sites across the county and delivers over 700 meals directly to homebound seniors. Your donation helps us continue providing these essential meals and services to older adults in need.

Interactive Nutrition Education for Families (Women, Infants & Children – WIC)

Through in-person nutrition classes, food demonstrations, and wellness assessments, our WIC program supports 6,500 low-income families each year. Families receive monthly food vouchers to purchase healthy groceries, ensuring babies, toddlers, and expectant mothers have access to the nutrients they need for a strong start in life. This year’s National Nutrition Month theme, “Food Connects Us,” reminds us that food is more than sustenance—it’s a way to build healthier communities and foster connections.

Other Ways to Get Involved

Even if you’re unable to make a financial donation, there are still many ways to support Community Bridges’ food programs and help fight hunger in Santa Cruz County.

Volunteer Your Time

Your time can make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with food insecurity. Consider lending a hand in one of the following ways:

  • Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County – Deliver meals to homebound seniors, assist in kitchens, or help with logistics to ensure older adults receive the nutrition and companionship they need.
  • Family Resource Collective – Help distribute fresh groceries in Felton or Santa Cruz so families in need can put food on their tables. 

Sign up to volunteer today at communitybridges.org/volunteer.

Credit: Community Bridges

Share Our Mission

Spreading awareness is just as important as donating. You can amplify our message in several ways:

  • Follow Us on Social Media – Like, comment, and share our posts to educate your friends and family about the importance of fighting hunger in Santa Cruz County.
  • Tell a Friend – Encourage your network to join the fight against hunger. Every share, repost, and conversation brings us closer to ending food insecurity.
  • Use Your Voice – Share a personal story about why fighting hunger matters to you. Tag us in your posts and help inspire others to take action.

Advocate for Change

Hunger is a policy issue as much as it is a community issue. You can help shape solutions by staying informed and advocating for policies that support food access.

  • Subscribe to Our Newsletter – Get updates on hunger-related issues, advocacy campaigns, and policy changes that impact food assistance programs. Learn how you can take action through petitions, contacting elected officials, and community mobilization.
  • Contact Your Representatives – Federal funding for nutrition programs is facing uncertainty and potential cuts. Make your voice heard by reaching out to local and national policymakers to support funding for essential food programs.

Join Us in Fighting Hunger

Every meal matters. Every donation, volunteer hour, and social share brings us one step closer to a nourished, thriving community. This National Nutrition Month, let’s work together to ensure that no one in Santa Cruz County goes hungry.To learn more or contribute, visit communitybridges.org/national-nutrition-month.

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