Santa Cruz County Bank participated in the Second Harvest Food Bank’s annual Holiday Food & Fund Drive and recently presented them with more than $8,000 in cash donations. In addition to the cash donations, over 400 pounds of food was collected at its five Santa Cruz County branches. Because Second Harvest Food Bank provides 4 healthy meals for every $1 donated, these donations translate to 32,381 meals for local families and children. The Bank’s support in 2021 is a 60% increase from the prior year, and illustrates the community’s continuing generosity through these challenging times.

The Bank partners with SHFB throughout the year to raise funds as well as awareness to fight hunger in our community. Speaking to the history of this relationship, Willy Elliot-McCrea, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County noted, “Santa Cruz County Bank has been a great supporter for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. From the time they opened their doors, they have donated over 200,000 meals to Second Harvest. We greatly value their kindness and look forward to our continued partnership.”

Krista Snelling, President & CEO of Santa Cruz County Bank, added, “The Bank’s longstanding partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening our community. Our customers, employees, and dedicated Board of Directors are truly feeding hope by giving so generously during the annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive. We’re proud to be Hunger Heroes all year round.”

This year, Second Harvest Food Bank celebrates its 50th anniversary. Each month they provide food for 80,000 people who live in Santa Cruz County. Their network of nonprofit agencies and safety net services includes food pantries, shelters and group homes. Through their staff, partners, and volunteers, Second Harvest Food Bank distributes 10 million pounds of food each year.

In addition to the 2021 Holiday Food & Fund Drive, Santa Cruz County Bank branches also participated in year-end collections for community organizations including: CASA of Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center’s “Adopt-a-Family” Program, and the SHARE Homeless Navigation Center of Salinas in Monterey County.

Pictured left to right: From Santa Cruz County Bank – Kim Luke, Community Engagement & Communications Specialist; Sham van der Voort, EVP Chief Operations Officer; Jon Sisk, EVP Regional President/Chief Banking Officer; Krista Snelling, President & CEO; and Richelle Noroyan, Corporate & Community Relations Director, Second Harvest Food Bank