The Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley is experiencing the worst crisis in its history.
At the height of the pandemic, the food bank doubled the amount of people it serves, increasing from about 250,000 people a month to roughly half a million. While the pandemic has receded, so too has the money that was once pouring into the food bank’s coffers.
Meanwhile, the demand for its services has skyrocketed.
“We are still serving the same number of people as we were at the height of the pandemic,” said Leslie Bacho, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley. “Need is at the highest we have ever experienced.”
While the food bank “rescues” much of its food — taking imperfect produce that grocers are unable to sell at market rate — it still purchases roughly 20% of the food it offers.
“Grocery costs are impacting our clients, making them unable to afford food,” Bacho said. “It is also affecting the food bank.”
The nonprofit typically provides milk, eggs and chicken, but providing the same level of service has become increasingly challenging, Bacho said.
For instance, eggs are the most requested items from partners and clients, but as their cost continues to soar, the food bank is unable to offer as many as before.
“We are having to make some tough decisions about what we can purchase,” Bacho said.
In addition to donations, the food bank is also seeking volunteers.
While many people volunteer during the holidays, Bacho said food instability and the demand for food assistance is a “year-round” issue.
For every dollar donated, Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley is able to provide two meals. Bacho said the food bank is better poised to stretch money spent on food.
“Every dollar helps. This is a solvable problem. We have enough food resources in this community,” Bacho said.
To donate or volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Silicon Valley shfb.org.
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