The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for shipping energy in the Persian Gulf, has sent the prices of diesel and petroleum-based fertilizer – key farming resources – soaring globally. Now, the supply crunch is coming home to roost in agrarian communities like Santa Cruz County.
Food Insecurity
Food insecurity in Santa Cruz County is a growing and deeply complex issue, affecting seniors, families, farmworkers and young people across the region. These news stories explore the rising demand for food assistance, the local organizations stepping up to meet it, and the policy decisions shaping access to basic nutrition. From emergency response during crises to long-term solutions and community-led efforts, this coverage highlights both the challenges residents face and the resilience of those working to ensure everyone has access to healthy, reliable food. This collection will continue to grow as new reporting is added and as local conditions and state and federal policies evolve.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
With food insecurity getting worse, Second Harvest turns to community for help with solutions
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County will host its first symposium on food insecurity to get input from community members and elected officials on ways it can support people in need.
Posted inFood & Drink
Leftover meals, low prices, less waste: Why some Santa Cruz County restaurants are turning to Too Good To Go
A small but growing number of Santa Cruz County restaurants and grocery stores are using the Too Good To Go app to sell leftover food in discounted “surprise bags,” helping reduce waste while recouping some costs. Customers trade choice for steep savings, and businesses say the program not only keeps food out of landfills but can also bring in new patrons.
Posted inFood & Drink
Grey Bears plans major warehouse expansion to meet growing demand for senior services
Grey Bears, a longtime Santa Cruz nonprofit serving seniors and food-insecure residents, plans to move its overcrowded operations from aging facilities into a renovated warehouse next door by 2028. The $9.6 million project, already more than 80% funded through local donations, aims to expand its commercial kitchen, market and dining services at a time of rising demand and shrinking food assistance resources.
PROMOTED CONTENT
Fifty years at the doorstep: Why Meals on Wheels matters more than ever—and how you can help
Every weekday morning across Santa Cruz County, a quiet rhythm unfolds. Meals are prepared and packed. Delivery routes are mapped. Volunteers gather their keys and checklists. Then, one by one, the doors open, and hundreds of local seniors don’t just receive a nutritious meal; they welcome a familiar face, a moment of conversation, and the […]
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Make a resolution to make a difference: Honoring MLK Day through service at Second Harvest
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 […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Newsmakers 2025: Food and toiletries distributions for undocumented ag workers become offseason lifeline
As the Pajaro Valley’s growing season comes to a close, many of its workers turn to a monthly food distribution event hosted by the Center for Farmworker Families to alleviate the financial burdens that come with no work for a few months.
Posted inFood & Drink
‘It feels impossible right now’: Ahead of Thanksgiving, families turn to food pantries in record numbers
Grocery prices and recent disruptions to federal food aid are pushing more Santa Cruz County residents to local food banks for the first time. Demand at some sites has doubled since early November.
Posted inFood & Drink
Food aid resumes after shutdown, but Santa Cruz County faces bigger challenges ahead
Federal food assistance has resumed for thousands of Santa Cruz County residents after a shutdown-related disruption in early November, with local agencies scrambling to fill gaps through pop-up food pantries and expanded food bank operations.
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Second Harvest Food Bank kicks off the Season of Giving in a time of unprecedented need
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 […]
