Dear community member,
Santa Cruz County families are feeling the impacts of the federal shutdown, particularly on food access and early childhood education.
The disruption of CalFresh benefits is affecting essential food aid for about 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents, while the temporary closure of our county’s Head Start program as a result of the pause in funding is impacting about 300 children, their families, and more than 90 local staff.
At the Santa Cruz County Office of Education, our focus is on student well-being. Students cannot learn and grow when they are hungry. And we know well that lapses in early learning harm development — not to mention straining family budgets and work schedules.
This situation is deeply concerning, and quickly evolving. Just today, two judges ordered the administration to unfreeze the nutrition funds even as the shutdown continues — though how long that process may take is not immediately clear. Meanwhile, the Santa Cruz COE will continue working with Second Harvest Food Bank, the county government, school districts, and other local partners to increase food distribution at schools and in the wider community. We are also grateful to the local partners, especially the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, who are working closely with Head Start to place as many affected infants and children as possible into temporary early-learning settings starting next week.
Whether you are an educator, student, or parent or guardian, we encourage you to stay proactive and informed:
Find food near you: Visit Second Harvest Food Bank’s website for the latest distribution information, or call 2-1-1.
Take advantage of school meals: Ensure your children attend school regularly and are taking advantage of free breakfast and lunch, now available to all students regardless of family income.
Stay informed: Follow Second Harvest, school announcements, the County of Santa Cruz, and local media outlets to ensure you have the latest information on the shutdown and its impacts.
Below are two Second Harvest Food Distributions next week that are open to all, with no ID required.
Thu, Nov. 6, 1-2:30 p.m. 1020 Emeline Ave, Santa Cruz
Fri, Nov. 7, 1-2:30 p.m., 500 Westridge Dr, Watsonville
For additional sites and distribution, check the Second Harvest food locator, ask your school’s front office, or call 2-1-1. Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and donor helping ensure students are fed, learning, and supported.
Yours in education and equity,
Dr. Faris Sabbah
Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools