Santa Cruz New Leaf Community Markets make big donations to Second Harvest Food Bank

Santa Cruz New Leaf Community Markets make big donations to Second Harvest Food Bank.

New Leaf Community Markets in Santa Cruz County and partners have donated over 4,000 pounds of poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

According to New Leaf Community Market officials for every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased by New Leaf customers during November 2016, the food bank received 1 pound of poultry.

Officials said since 2006, when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the market has donated over 42,000 pounds of poultry to Second Harvest and a total of 56,000 pounds to food banks in the communities it serves.

In addition to the poultry donation, New Leaf collected almost $10,000 in cash donations from its Santa Cruz County customers. These funds will provide more than 50,000 meals for local families in need, according to officials.

“New Leaf’s Smart Chicken donation provides quality lean protein to our county’s most vulnerable, while the community’s support enables us to distribute fresh produce and pantry items. Together we’re fighting hunger and creating a healthier county. Together, we’re feeding hope,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.