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In a region with the fifth-highest cost of living in the country, many Santa Cruz County residents struggle to afford rent, utility bills, medicine, or car repairs. While poverty is greater in other parts of the County, in our two valleys income also is too often inadequate to cover basic needs. Frequently hunger is a result.Of the 15 percent of County residents living in poverty, 35 percent or 29,000 are consistently unable to buy enough food. In our valleys, each week more than 400 meals are served and more than 1,000 individuals are given food to prepare for their families.Regrettably, roughly 7,500 people in our county are eligible for CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps) but do not take advantage of the program. Organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Bridges are working to increase participation. For those who are ineligible for CalFresh or who need additional assistance, there is plenty of help throughout our valleys.Valley Churches United Missions distributes food five days a week, giving out roughly 2,500 bags a month. Pantries serving smaller clientele occur weekly at Mountain Community Resources (MCR) in Felton (part of the Community Bridges Family Resource Collective), and in Scotts Valley at St. Philip’s Episcopal, GateWay Bible Church, and the Catholic Community of San Agustin. All of these programs aim for a good mix of produce, protein, and other essentials. Felton Presbyterian and St. John’s Catholic Church serve delicious hot meals weekly, SS Peter and Paul Orthodox and Redwood Christian Center do so monthly. Seniors have the additional options of Meals on Wheels (Community Bridges) and weekly food bags from Grey Bears.While these programs differ in their offerings, their suppliers, and their funding, two common features are their reliance on volunteers — hundreds of them — and their effort to address needs other than food. Valley Churches provides a range of services, including financial assistance, disaster relief, and vouchers for transportation and clothing. MCR’s programs include help with CalFresh and Covered California applications, classes for parents, and advocacy for individual needs. Second Harvest provides nutrition education countywide and the other organizations help with everything from utility bills to free showers. Each one strives to provide a welcoming environment, fellowship, and encouragement — GateWay’s motto is “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope.”At this time of holiday celebrations with friends and family, we may also celebrate our area’s commitment to those in need. If we are able, we might wish to donate to one of the organizations running these programs, knowing that our gift will directly benefit individuals struggling in this expensive county. Paul Machlis volunteers with the MCR Food Pantry and compiles the monthly list of food programs.