At its annual luncheon today, Second Harvest Food Bank of San
Benito and Santa Cruz counties will talk about
– not eat – 920,000 pounds of food.
At its annual luncheon today, Second Harvest Food Bank of San Benito and Santa Cruz counties will talk about – not eat – 920,000 pounds of food.
That’s how much the non-profit organization wants to collect this year at its community-wide Barrel Roll-Out food drive. Thursday’s lunch at the Coconut Grove Ballroom will host 600 companies and agencies from noon to 1:30 p.m. to gain enthusiasm for the drive.
Last year, Second Harvest collected 835,000 pounds in the annual holiday food drive. To reach 920,000 pounds this year, the organization asks local residents to donate “one more can, one more dollar and one more volunteer hour than last year,” according to a statement.
The Barrel Roll-Out takes place Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Food Bank Warehouse, 15 Errington Road in Watsonville. From there, volunteers will transport 800 barrels to collection sites in the area.
Volunteers for the drive come from Smuckers, Grey Bears, Hodges Moving and Storage, Community Hope, Goodwill and other companies.
Organizations supported by Second Harvest felt a 19-percent increase in demand for food since Sept. 11, 2001. Food Bank Director of Development Jeffrey Kongslie said most of the people served come from vulnerable backgrounds.
“Ninety-percent of the people we’re serving are children, disabled, seniors and working poor families,” he said.
The Food Bank leverages cash donations by distributing $100 of food for every $10 donated.
For more information, call Elisa Walton at (831) 722-7110, ext. 217. To volunteer for the events, call Leigh Selby at extension 205.
