Food Bank Gears Up to Feed Needy Residents

The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo counties has kicked off its Holiday Food and Fund Drive, organization officials said.          

"Hunger is unacceptable in this community," said Mike Klayko, food drive co-chair and CEO of Brocade.          

"Even in the heart of the Silicon Valley, which prides itself on collaboration and innovation, hunger has become a serious problem in our surrounding community," San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York said.

York was selected to be a co-chair by Klayko and begins a two-year term with the food bank.

"People who never thought they would need help are now turning to Second Harvest Food Bank for assistance. We are fortunate to live in a community where people work together and help each other prosper, so it's only fitting that our local corporations get involved and help those who are less fortunate," York said. 

The food bank collaborates with more than 300 nonprofits to provide food at nearly 650 pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and after-school programs in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.         

It has set a goal of reaching $11.3 million and 1.6 million pounds of food, organizers said.

"It is unacceptable that in a wealthy community like ours, one in four people are struggling to put food on the table," Kathy Jackson, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, said. "Second Harvest Food Bank has managed to meet the rising need for food despite the growing challenges."  

Too many local families and individuals don’t get enough to eat. One out of every 10 of people in the county will be receiving food from Second Harvest Food Bank this holiday season. The Food Bank currently feeds about 250,000 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties every month, agency officials said.      

The food bank provided more than 35 million meals last year and nearly 40 percent of the food was fresh produce, the food bank said.

Corporations, organizations and individuals can give what matters by hosting a food drive or donating to Second Harvest Food Bank this holiday season. To get involved, visit www.shfb.org. You can also donate online or by calling 866- 234-3663.

—By Bay City News Service