Working Together
...to end hunger and malnutrition
  Survey Says...
Last month's survey was actually a quiz:  we asked, of the 199 food banks in the Feeding America network, what is Second Harvest's ranking in terms of percent of healthier food distributed? The answer is:  #2! (And we've got our sights on #1!)

This month's survey is a short and sweet question about something everyone here at Second Harvest is gearing up for--Food & Fund Drives! (See following story.)

Please give us your input! Continue to the survey...

Community Leaders Strategize Holiday Food Drive

Santa Cruz County’s business, civic, and community leaders represent diverse people and interests, so it was an inspiring scene last Friday as so many of them came together in one room to work towards one goal:  conceiving the myriad strategies, fundraisers, and competitions which comprise Second Harvest’s annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive.

At the Leadership Luncheon, these leaders strategized how to organize the numerous community and neighborhood drives which will determine whether Second Harvest meets our goal of raising 4.5 million meals for those in need this holiday season.

It’s an ambitious goal—nearly half a million meals more than we raised last year. But just as a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, a food drive of four and a half million meals begins with a single session of brainstorming.

“…A food drive of four and a half million meals begins with a single session.”

Gears turned and ideas flowed fast as top movers and shakers shared past successful food drives and brainstormed creative new ones to roll out this holiday season.

Some drives collect barrels of food, while others raise funds which fill those barrels even faster. In fact, because of Second Harvest’s relationships with growers and our buying power, it takes only $25 in cash donations for us to fill an entire barrel with food.

But it takes both food and funds to be able to feed so many who need a little help from their community to get through a tough time. And ideas for both—some proven, some yet to be—came fast and furious...  Read the full article

 HFD Co-Chairs Nanette Mickiewicz, President/CEO of Dominican Hospital and Jess Brown, Executive Director of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau
Seeking Nominations for
17th Annual Hunger Fighters of the Year

Do you know a special person at your school, business, or organization who is taking the lead in fighting hunger? Tell us about them! We're soliciting nominations for our next Hunger Fighters of the Year.

Nominations are easy--just fill out our online form, and your nominee could be Second Harvest Food Bank's next Hunger Fighter of the Year!

Nominations accepted through October 31st.

Upcoming Events
November 3, Holiday Food & Fund Drive Kickoff Luncheon
LET'S GET EXCITED ABOUT FIGHTING HUNGER! Join Second Harvest and bring your colleagues, friends, and fundraising fanatics. You'll be empowered to create successful food and fund drives this holiday season.
Recent Events
This year's Chefs' Dinner was our most successful one yet, raising over 440,000 meals for local children and families in need! A big thank you to everyone who was a part of the evening. Check out the photos here.
The 8th Annual A Taste of Soquel, co-sponsored by the Congregational Church of Soquel and the Capitola/Soquel Chamber of Commerce, raised 41,600 meals! Check out the photos here.
Agency Spotlight | Brightpath Day Program

Brightpath Day Program is a non-profit organization located in Capitola that serves individuals with developmental disabilities. Participants in the program experience an inviting community feel while pursuing fun, development, and belonging.

Brightpath’s amazing staff of seven loves what they do whole heartedly. They plan adventures for their clients ..." Read the article here.

Each month Second Harvest throws the spotlight on another of our 100 partner non-profits on the ground in Santa Cruz County helping us get nutritious food to the people who need it. Read more agency spotlights here.
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