With exceptions that might include the trash collector and wetsuit-clad surfers waiting for the day’s first wave, 7:00 am is usually reserved for sleep, or forcing oneself trod to the kitchen in search of a warm mug. However, at 2710 Chanticleer Ave., the party is already in full swing. Here, the Grey Bears Volunteers are well on their way to packing over 4,000 grocery bags filled with fresh, organic produce for seniors much like themselves. A force of over 500 strong, the Grey Bears Volunteers, most of whom are seniors themselves, work toward one simple goal: nourishing their neighbors.
Many hands make light work of hunger
The party doesn’t just stop when the bag is packed; after an assembly line of 75 volunteers creates each healthy food bag by hand, they are placed with care into volunteer driver cars for delivery throughout the county, as far north as Bonny Doon and as south as Prunedale. These deliveries are so much more than food; they’re a visit from a friend, nourishing both the body and the soul.
One recipient of these Healthy Food bags is Mary. After she and her elderly mother lost their business during the pandemic, they faced the challenge of maintaining access to healthy, fresh food. This became even more critical when her mother was diagnosed with cancer.
“The Grey Bears deliveries have been such a blessing,” Mary shares. “When you’re caregiving, it’s difficult to get out to the store, especially for expensive organic produce. Grey Bears answered our call at a time when we needed it most—and we are so incredibly grateful.”
Engaging with age
The Healthy Food Bags are just one part of the larger Grey Bears mission, powered by more than 65,000 hours of time volunteered each year. From the award-winning Grey Bears Thrift Store to the bustling bookstore with over 9,500 titles, the Compost Club, a vermicomposting demonstration garden, Repair Cafés, Speed Dating and other Seniors Nights Out activities, Grey Bears offers over 20 different ways for seniors to stay engaged and connected, while lending a helping paw to their neighbors. Favorite events include a “Tie Dye Night”, where 57 Santa Cruz Seniors convened to bring a second life into their well-loved clothing item, and a “Quilting Cafe”, where seniors gathered to use donated cloth and unusable clothing to make a Grey Bears Community Quilt.
Since 1973, Grey Bears has grown far beyond its original Healthy Food Bags program. Today, it’s a welcoming central hub where seniors can find both nourishment and community. With weekly classes like Chair Yoga and Spanish, and daily congregate meals prepared by a team of 14 kitchen volunteers, Grey Bears is dedicated to feeding both bodies and spirits.
One such volunteer is Rini. A volunteer renowned for her salads made from scratch which are both packed with flavor and nutrients, she can be found sharing her joyful smile and love of service. “I love serving other people;” she states, beaming as she fills the plates of seniors and fellow volunteers stopping by for lunch. “Grey Bears feels like home to me.”
As Santa Cruz County prepares for the impact of the “Silver Tsunami”—the rapidly growing population of seniors—the work of Grey Bears has never been more crucial. By 2034, the number of people over 65 will outnumber those under 17 (U.S. Census, 2024). Santa Cruz County, which has the fastest-growing senior population in California, is set to feel this shift directly.
“Grey Bears started over 50 years ago with the brilliant but simple notion that food otherwise going fallow in local fields and backyard gardens could live a second life by getting it to malnourished seniors in need,” Jennifer Merchant, Grey Bears executive director said. “Fast forward to today, reusing and recycling is the foundation of everything we do. Engaging seniors to play a key role in accomplishing our vision that all seniors live healthy and meaningful lives further builds the community of people who help us achieve that vision. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of our operations. They inspire me every day and their efforts and dedication make me proud to call myself a Grey Bear.”
Help Grey Bears continue to nourish neighbors across Santa Cruz County
Grey Bears is able to carry out this vital work thanks to the generosity of their neighbors. As the need for their services grow, Grey Bears relies on community support to ensure they can continue providing healthy food, meaningful connections, and enriching activities to thousands of seniors across Santa Cruz County. To make a difference today, consider making a donation, dropping by extra cans of food, allowing Grey Bears to glean a fruit tree, or joining our dedicated team of volunteers. Together, we can nourish every neighbor.
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