WATSONVILLE — Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is facing a significant setback in its ability to serve the community due to an unexpected halt in federal food deliveries. Erica Padilla-Chavez, the food bank’s CEO, shared that approximately 177,000 pounds of food—enough for about 1 million meals—are missing from their warehouse due to a pause in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This disruption is linked to a larger issue, as $500 million designated for food aid across the country has been put on hold. Padilla-Chavez is unsure whether these shipments will resume or if they are permanently canceled, causing uncertainty for the food bank and those it serves. She urges the community to understand that the halted shipments mean less food available for families in need.
With the new fiscal year approaching on July 1, the food bank expects to lose an additional $360,000 in funding, which translates to more than a million missing meals from their inventory. The situation is compounded by proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh. This program is crucial, supporting about 41,000 local residents, including 13,500 children. Padilla-Chavez emphasized, “We’re talking about children,” highlighting the potential impact of funding cuts on vulnerable populations.
Despite these challenges, Second Harvest currently has enough food to meet local demand. However, they are not sitting idle; they’ve recently launched Operation Bridge the Gap. This initiative aims to rally support from individuals, businesses, and community partners to address the growing need for food assistance.
In a recent social media post, Rep. Jimmy Panetta reiterated his commitment to supporting food banks through legislation he co-authored, the Farmers Feeding America Act. This bill aims to strengthen partnerships between local farmers and food banks, ensuring food reaches those who need it most.
Second Harvest has a long history, founded in 1972 as the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. They partner with over 100 local agencies to provide food to around 65,000 residents each month.
It’s clear that the current situation demands community awareness and action. As one beneficiary, Wanda Spencer, put it, “I’m just hoping that people can help each other get together and … get in contact with somebody at Second Harvest.”
With challenges mounting, local food banks need community support more than ever. To learn more about how to help, visit Second Harvest Food Bank.
Check out this related article: Concern Grows Among School Districts and NEPA Food Bank Over Potential USDA Program Cutbacks
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