Dozens of drop-off points in San Benito County hope to meet a 38
percent jump in need
As the holiday season is starting, Second Harvest Food Bank of
Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is poised to catch a bit of the
generous spirit from local residents.
Dozens of drop-off points in San Benito County hope to meet a 38 percent jump in need
As the holiday season is starting, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties is poised to catch a bit of the generous spirit from local residents.
Second Harvest Food Bank serves as a collection agency for food from a variety of sources. Local grocery stores, farmers and residents donate to the regional warehouse. Second Harvest then distributes the food to organizations such as Community Pantry in Hollister, which works directly with those in need.
The food bank has high goals for this year’s holiday food drive – to collect 1.2 million pounds of food – or enough to make nearly a million meals for local families. The food is distributed to places such as Community Pantry and other agencies serving low-income individuals and families.
In 2005-2006, Second Harvest gave out 5.8 million pounds of food to agencies in Santa Cruz and San Benito County.
Despite the millions of pounds collected or donated last year, the problem of hunger is increasing in the two counties. The number of people who turn to Second Harvest partners for food has increased by 38 percent in the last five years, according to the 2006 National Hunger Study, conducted by Second Harvest. The vast majority of those served include children, the elderly and working families.
Donations are not keeping pace with demand.
While families need food throughout the year, the holiday season offers a chance to donate food, money or to volunteer with the agency. Collection bins have been delivered to locations throughout San Benito County, including more than a dozen county offices.
The goods will be accepted at the barrels through Dec. 15 and monetary donations are accepted online at www.thefoodbank.org/events1.html. With every $10 of money donated, the food bank can provide $90 of food to the most needy in the community.
Donation barrels are available at more than a dozen county offices including those on San Felipe Road, Southside Road and Fourth Street. Local businesses have also rolled out the red carpet for food donors throughout San Benito. Dry and canned goods are accepted at Tiffany Motor Company, Orsetti Seed and Hollister Motor Sports. San Benito Bank and Hollister Super have installed the temporary bins at several locations each.
Outside of Hollister, the Aromas Post Office and the San Juan City Library also have collection bins.
For more information on the food drive or Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties, visit www.thefoodbank.org or call 831-722-7110.
Melissa Flores can be reached at [email protected].
