Dear community member,
Food insecurity in Santa Cruz County has been a particular challenge this year. Between the rising cost of living, recent delays and newly enacted barriers to SNAP/CalFresh benefits, many of the families we serve are in need of support.
Schools provide extensive nutrition services, now including universal breakfast and lunch across California. But we can’t meet the need alone. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County is our most impactful local partner, serving more than 70,000 people each month across Santa Cruz County — a third of whom are children.
At the COE, we champion this cause because we know that students cannot learn on an empty stomach. Nutrition is the foundation of academic success, and ensuring food security is a direct and powerful way to support our schools.
That’s why the Santa Cruz COE is proud to support Second Harvest Food Bank’s 2025 Holiday Food and Fund Drive. We invite you to take part in this effort by either joining the COE campaign, joining your organization’s team, or starting your own campaign to represent your school, district, or organization.
This year’s campaign theme is “Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary People.” I believe this perfectly describes our school community. We show up every day to meet the needs of our students and families, and I hope you will join us in extending that care to the dinner tables of our neighbors.
How you can help:
Support our campaign. If you are in a position to do so, please consider contributing toward our goal. Every dollar provides healthy meals to neighbors in need: Campaign Page.
Start a campaign. There’s still time to launch a campaign on behalf of your school, district or organization: Create or join a team.
Volunteer. For those who prefer to give their time, Second Harvest has volunteer shifts available this season: Volunteer Opportunities.
Thank you for your continued partnership and compassion.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools