Local governments and community partners across Santa Cruz County have pledged more than $1 million to support emergency food distribution as the federal government shutdown disrupts nutrition benefits for thousands of residents, the county announced Tuesday.
The County of Santa Cruz, local cities, the County Office of Education, and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County are joining forces to fund Second Harvest Food Bank’s efforts to provide food to families affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits, county officials said.
About 33,000 county residents rely on SNAP, representing roughly $6.5 million in lost monthly food spending. Second Harvest estimates it needs $1 million a month to meet the rising demand.
Residents can donate or volunteer to help at thefoodbank.org.Â