APTOS — The Second Harvest Food Bank launched its annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive at Cabrillo College on a warm and sunny Friday afternoon with speeches from Second Harvest CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez, co-chairs of the fundraiser, supporters and a short Zumba class to get community members pumped up to raise money for those in need this holiday season.
“The goal of raising 4.5 million meals is a very real goal,” said Padilla-Chavez. “We projected we would see a decline in food insecurity needs in our county post-pandemic. That is not what we are seeing. The 10 million pounds of healthy, nourishing food that we distribute at over 130 locations throughout Santa Cruz County accounts for us feeding 65,000 residents per month with 20,000 of them children.”
Padilla-Chavez spoke to the importance of this year’s holiday drive in feeding local families and the meaning behind the food bank’s new apple-centered logo.
“The apple in hand represents Second Harvest Food Bank’s strong commitment to nourishing our community, but the apple also pays homage to a staple that kicked off the produce distribution industry in our county,” said Padilla-Chavez. “Fun fact, the apple started the food distribution in Santa Cruz County so we’re paying homage to the apple.”
The nonprofit’s annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive is being co-chaired by Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah and Community Foundation CEO Susan True.
“I think it’s really important this year because in the past years with Covid, hunger has been so visible,” said True. “But this year it’s quieter. People are struggling with rising food costs, rising rent, and rising transportation costs so the need has never been bigger.”
True mentioned that the Second Harvest Food Bank is able to turn each dollar raised into three meals for those in need and that this year’s goal of raising funds for 4.5 million meals is achievable if everyone pitches in.
“It’s really powerful when we all come together as a community,” said True. “We can all make sure that our neighbors don’t go hungry and I think that’s the power of this food drive is that we can provide three meals for a buck.”
County Superintendent Sabbah spoke to the importance of the fundraiser for youth in the county that need nourishing food to keep up on their studies.
“Food insecurity is something that really affects a lot of our families and our youth,” said Sabbah. “One in 10 students in the county lives with hunger and we recognize this is something that is very real and has an impact that’s far reaching for students and their families.”
Sabbah pointed out that with 65,000 local residents benefitting from the work of Second Harvest Food Bank it’s a no-brainer to help support their cause.
“We’re looking at a huge portion of our community benefiting from this so we want to make sure that we have enough resources and to be able to support all of our families,” said Sabbah.
Santa Cruz City Manager Matt Huffaker, who is also a member of Second Harvest Food Bank’s board of trustees, proposed a challenge to his colleague in South County, Watsonville City Manager René Mendez.
“I know that our friends with the city of Watsonville are also fierce hunger fighters so I would like to propose a friendly wager this year,” said Huffaker. “If Watsonville raises more than the city of Santa Cruz, I will happily take a polar plunge off the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf.”
With the crowd’s attention focused on him, Mendez happily accepted Huffaker’s challenge. He also pointed out the important role that Second Harvest Food Bank played in feeding community members during the winter flooding and the power of community partnerships.
“I am excited to kick this off for our community and work with all of you,” said Mendez. “Today is another reminder of the power of what we can accomplish together. We are the food bank.”
For information about fundraising or to donate to Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive, visit thefoodbank.org.