Hollister
– As it wraps up its annual holiday food drive, the Second
Harvest Food Bank is only halfway to its goal of collecting 1.2
million pounds of food for the area’s needy.
Hollister – As it wraps up its annual holiday food drive, the Second Harvest Food Bank is only halfway to its goal of collecting 1.2 million pounds of food for the area’s needy.
Officials are hoping for a strong finish to the drive to bring the bank’s totals closer to the goal. Friday was the last barrel pickup day for San Benito County businesses and organizations contributing through the Hollister-based Community Pantry’s food drive.
Christine Woodard, events and public relations director for Second Harvest in Watsonville, said it will take the community pulling together. And she’s confident that will happen.
“Every year we’re blown away by the people of San Benito County,” Woodard said.
Second Harvest’s goal for collection in San Benito County is 100,000 pounds of food. The Community Pantry has collected food and cash donations totaling 38,470 pounds of food.
Community Pantry is one of several San Benito County organizations that relies on Second Harvest to help boost its distribution power. Community Pantry had collected 2,290 pounds of food from organizations and businesses that returned their food barrels before Friday’s final pickup, Community Pantry Executive Director Mary Anne Hughes said.
Community Pantry’s new and more convenient location at 1133 San Felipe Road has helped totals, Hughes said.
“Since we moved to our new location we have seen an increase of 200 bags a week,” Hughes said.
With Second Harvest’s help, Community Pantry is able to stretch its monetary donations as well. The $12,060 Community Pantry has collected is the equivalent of 36,180 pounds of food, Hughes said.
Hughes hopes to have Community Pantry’s final totals next week.
Second Harvest has distributed more than $3 million worth of food to needy San Benito County residents through the Community Pantry, Salvation Army, YMCA, New Beginnings and the Homeless Task Force in the past four years, the organization said.
Michael Van Cassell covers public safety for the Free Lance. He can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or [email protected].
