Second Harvest's Holiday Drive Comes Up 600,000 Meals Short of Goal

SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 14, 2013 - PRLog -- Despite the community’s overwhelming generosity over the holidays, Second Harvest Food Banks’ Holiday Food and Fund Drive missed its goal by $300,000. Unless the Food Bank can raise the funds, it means 600,000 meals won’t be available to feed those in need. Some may go hungry as a result.

“Nearly 250,000 people count on us each month for at least some of their food,” said Kathy Jackson, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. “We are grateful for the support we have received. This is a very generous community. But if we aren’t able to make up for this shortfall, we won’t have enough food to meet the need.”

Second Harvest set a goal of $12.4 million for its Holiday Food and Fund Drive, but was only able to raise $12.1 million. The holiday drive is a critical fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank. During that three-month period, the Food Bank raises half its revenues.

“Every year the number of people Second Harvest serves continues to grow,” Jackson said. “At the same time, food costs have risen dramatically and a difficult growing season has reduced available fresh produce. We have to close this gap so the families and individuals who rely on Second Harvest can get the nutritious food they need. Nobody should ever go hungry in a wealthy community like ours."

Second Harvest Food Bank partners with more than 300 nonprofit agencies to provide food at more than 740 sites throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, including pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs. Second Harvest is one of only a few food banks that does not charge its partners for the food it provides. Last year, the Food Bank provided the equivalent of 41 million meals to the community.

“Second Harvest has continued to drive efficiency in our operations and explore new ways to connect our hungry neighbors with food,” Jackson said. “The Food Bank is doing everything in our power to get as much food as possible into the hands of those who need it, but we need the community’s help to bridge the 600,000 ‘meal gap’ today.”

You can help to ensure that anyone who needs a meal can get one by donating to Second Harvest Food Bank. To support Second Harvest’s effort to close the gap, call 866-234-3663 or visit www.SHFB.org.

Anyone who is struggling to put food on the table should call Second Harvest’s Food Connection hotline at 800-984-3663 to learn about food-assistance programs, including CalFresh (food stamps).

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to an average of nearly one quarter of a million people each month. The Food Bank mobilizes individuals, companies and community partners to connect people to the nutritious food they need. More than half of the food distributed is fresh produce. Second Harvest also plays a leading role in promoting federal nutrition programs and educating families on how to make healthier food choices. Visit www.SHFB.org to get involved.