In an extraordinary show of regional collaboration, local governments and community partners across Santa Cruz County are joining forces to keep food on the table and address increasing food insecurity for residents affected by the federal government shutdown.
The County of Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, the City of Watsonville, the City of Santa Cruz and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County have pledged more than $1 million to support Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County’s emergency food distribution efforts, pending formal approval by their respective governing bodies.
“This unified regional response shows what our community can accomplish together,” said Santa Cruz County Board Chair Felipe Hernandez. “I’d like to thank CEO Nicole Coburn for organizing this effort. We are working side by side to ensure that no family in Santa Cruz County goes hungry during this crisis.”
Local leaders are also encouraging businesses, service organizations and philanthropic partners throughout Santa Cruz County to join this collaborative effort.
Second Harvest Food Bank is working to source and distribute millions of pounds of food to meet emergency needs, and every contribution—large or small—makes a measurable difference. Local partners are invited to donate funds to help ensure that no family in the community goes without food during the federal shutdown.
“We know students can’t learn on an empty stomach,” said County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah. “With families at risk of losing nutrition support during the federal shutdown, we must step forward to strengthen school-based food distribution and meet the growing needs across our community.”
The combined contributions include: County of Santa Cruz – $500,000; Santa Cruz County Office of Education – $250,000; City of Watsonville – $100,000; City of Santa Cruz – $100,000; and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County – $100,000.
These funds will help Second Harvest respond to a surge in need caused by the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh) benefits during the federal shutdown. About 33,000 local residents depend on SNAP, representing roughly $6.5 million in monthly food spending that has been interrupted.
“Since spring, when the USDA trucks headed to food banks were turned around, the outpouring of support from the Community Foundation’s donors has reflected the true spirit of generosity that powers our county,” said Susan True, CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County. “Along with county and city partners, we can continue to provide food for thousands of families during this uncertain time.”
Second Harvest estimates it needs about $1 million per month to meet the increased demand for food assistance as the shutdown continues. The coordinated local response will help bridge that gap while the region awaits the restoration of federal aid.
“The collective response by our local governments and philanthropic partners is a demonstration of our local commitment to ensuring no one in our county goes hungry,” Second Harvest CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez said. “Only by working together can we weather this challenging time. We should all feel proud of our county’s response to this unprecedented situation.”
While there have been court actions toward delivery of food support for 43 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enrollees nationwide—1 out of every 8 Americans—it remains unclear when benefits would become available, what percentage of regular benefits would be available, whether beneficiaries would be made whole once the shutdown ends and how long those benefits would be available should the shutdown persist into December and beyond.
How Residents Can Help
Community members can make tax-deductible donations directly to Second Harvest Food Bank at thefoodbank.org or volunteer to help with food distribution.
For information on where to find emergency food resources, visit santacruzcountyca.gov/Sanctuary.
