On April 11, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County honored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as the 2023 Food Donor of the Year, and Amazon Local Good as the outstanding community partner.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 atmospheric river storms, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints promptly provided essential items like pasta, rice, and canned goods, as well as a full truckload of bottled water to areas lacking potable water.
Second Harvest CEO Erica Padilla-Chavez with Amazon driver Kevin.
Despite logistical challenges, the Church demonstrated exceptional efficiency in delivering aid, earning praise for their logistical prowess. Additionally, when specifically requested by SHFB, the Church not only supplied peanut butter from their production facility but also organized a local drive for jelly, showcasing their dedication to fulfilling community needs.
Second Harvest Food Bank expressed gratitude to Matthew Hackwell and other members of the LDS Church, recognizing their invaluable support and commitment to nourishing the community in times of both calm and crisis.
Amazon Local Good was recognized for exceptional service in delivering food to home-bound residents of Santa Cruz County since September 2023. Through their efforts, 1,520 households and 5,000 individuals, received 55,000 lbs. of food, ensuring essential nourishment for those in need.
Both organizations received a plaque from Second Harvest.
They also received a proclamation presented by Celeste Gutierez on behalf of 4th District County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, and a proclamation from the City of Watsonville, bestowed by Mayor Pro Tem Maria Orozco.
TOP PHOTO: From left: Erica Padilla-Chavez, Second Harvest CEO, Watsonville Vice Mayor Maria Orozco, Matthew Hackwell, Rosa Meyer, Kinohi McLoskey, Rosario Monge, Carolyn Mano, Ken Mano, Celeste Gutierez, Brendan Miele.