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 […]
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 inPolitics & Policy
Food, toiletries distribution for undocumented ag workers continues amid deportation fears; first under Trump sees lower numbers
As deportation fears loom under Donald Trump’s second administration, undocumented agriculture workers in Watsonville continue to attend the Center for Farmworker Families’ monthly distribution of food and toiletries. The local nonprofit has changed its distribution format out of safety concerns for participants.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Santa Cruz County officials scramble to assess impact of Trump’s federal funding freeze
Santa Cruz County officials and nonprofit leaders were rushing Tuesday to understand the local implications of President Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze. Millions of dollars for local programs are under threat from the pause, which has been temporarily blocked by a judge.
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Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County launches holiday campaign to raise funding for 4,750,000 meals
As the holiday season draws near, Second Harvest Food Bank is mobilizing its resources and community support to combat hunger for the more than 65,000 residents who rely on their services monthly. With donations urgently needed to sustain its operations, Second Harvest invites individuals, families, organizations, and businesses to help meet the increased demand by […]
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Unsung Santa Cruz: From her home, she organizes a food distribution program for fellow migrant farmworkers
Ernestina Solorio gives her home and her time to ensure farmworker families receive essential items they urgently need.
Posted inCoast Life
Unsung Santa Cruz: She helps take care of the farmworkers who help put food on our tables
Jackie Vasquez has become an active advocate for taking care of farmworkers. Her work at GoodFarms involved everything from providing food and school supplies to families in need to bringing health services and vaccination clinics right to the fields.
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Stepping up to fight food insecurity
UC Santa Cruz has expanded its annual Second Harvest Holiday Food and Fund Drive to help boost donations—needed now more than ever in the wake of the pandemic, wildfires, and economic turmoil.
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Combating holiday hunger & food insecurity: Local organizations making difference
These four local Santa Cruz County nonprofits make it their mission year-round to empower youth, fight hunger, and support women and families in need. Read what they cooking when it comes to impactful holiday-time partnerships you can help support.
Posted inGuides
Feeding Santa Cruz Part 1: How the hungry can get help during the coronavirus pandemic
As food insecurity rates have risen during the pandemic, community organizations have stepped up their games. Here’s how to get help if you need it.
