As communities across the nation pause to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is inviting neighbors to turn remembrance into action. On Monday, January 19, 2026, Second Harvest will host a special MLK Day Food Pack, calling on the community to step forward during a time of sustained and urgent need.

Food insecurity remains a daily reality in Santa Cruz County. One in three residents faces hunger, including more than 20,000 children, and over 70,000 neighbors rely on Second Harvest’s services every month. While the holiday season brings an inspiring outpouring of generosity, the need for food does not end when the new year begins. In fact, with rising costs and ongoing cuts to federal safety net programs, demand is expected to remain high well into 2026.

MLK Day Food Pack: A Call to Serve

Second Harvest is seeking 100 volunteers to help carry forward Dr. King’s vision of service, dignity, and collective responsibility. Volunteers will work together to sort, pack, label, and prepare nutritious food for local families, seniors, veterans, and individuals experiencing hunger.

Volunteer Shifts

  • 8:45-11:00 a.m.
  • 12:45-3:00 p.m.

Sign up to volunteer here.

The Need Does Not Take a Holiday

During the holidays, Second Harvest sees a surge of volunteers, and that support is deeply appreciated. Yet as routines settle and volunteer participation declines in January, families continue to rely on food assistance year-round. Consistent volunteer support is essential to sustaining operations that distribute over 10 million pounds of food annually through more than 100 sites across Santa Cruz County, in partnership with schools, nonprofits, churches, and community organizations.

Serving With Dignity, All Year Long

Volunteering at the Food Bank goes beyond packing food. From supporting local distributions to sorting healthy food, volunteers help deliver nourishment with care and dignity to Santa Cruz County families. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County was named Runner-Up for Favorite Place to Volunteer on the inaugural 2025 Lookout List, reflecting the meaningful and welcoming experience volunteers have when they serve.

Every hour you give helps ensure that no one in Santa Cruz County has to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table. Start the year with purpose. Sign up to volunteer, bring a friend, or donate to Second Harvest today.