WATSONVILLE — Second Harvest Food Bank invited members of the agricultural community to a barbecue Thursday evening, thanking them for their efforts to feed hungry people throughout Santa Cruz County.
According to the food bank, about 65 percent of the food Second Harvest provides is donated from farms such as Lakeside Organic Gardens and Driscoll’s, as well as distributors including Ledyard and Watsonville Coast Produce. Through Second Harvest, about 55,000 county residents receive food in an average month.
“You guys are awesome,” Second Harvest CEO Willy Elliott-McCrea told the crowd gathered at the food bank’s headquarters in Watsonville. “You don’t get nearly enough appreciation and thanks.”
He added that local food producers continue to donate to Second Harvest even as they sell their product across the nation.
“Our partnership with them is critical, and this event is one way we show our appreciation,” Elliott-McCrea said.
Katie Bassmann, spokesperson for Lakeside Organic Gardens, said Lakeside founder Dick Peixoto is always looking to give back to the community, and donating surplus produce to Second Harvest is one avenue.
“He always says ‘If I’ve been blessed, I want to bless others,'” Bassmann said.
June Ponce of Sun Valley Berries, who also serves on Second Harvest’s Board of Directors, said as growers, they feel a “sense of pride” donating to the food bank.
“We are feeding our community. How wonderful is that?” she said.
