Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County has purchased property next to its current Watsonville-area facility, a move officials say will allow the organization to expand operations and better respond to rising demand for food assistance.
The acquisition, announced March 31, was made through what the organization described as a bargain-sale opportunity. Leaders say the additional space will support a larger warehouse footprint, improved storage and distribution systems, and enhanced emergency response capacity.
The purchase comes as the food bank faces increasing need across the county. In recent years, emergency responses tied to economic instability and climate-related disruptions have highlighted limitations in the organization’s existing space, according to Second Harvest.
“This isn’t just a building. It’s a promise to our neighbors,” said CEO Erica Padilla-Chávez in a statement. “As more families turn to us, this new space gives us the capacity and stability to meet today’s needs and be ready for tomorrow’s challenges.”
Food bank officials said the expanded site could also create opportunities to collaborate more closely with local nonprofits and partner agencies. Long-term plans may include co-located services designed to make it easier for residents to access multiple forms of assistance in one place.
An advisory committee will be formed to help guide development of the site. The organization said it plans to engage donors, volunteers and partner agencies as planning moves forward over the coming years.
Second Harvest did not disclose the purchase price or timeline for construction, but described the project as part of a broader effort to build “resilient infrastructure” to meet current and future needs in Santa Cruz County.
