Building the Future of Food Access in Santa Cruz County
Second Harvest Acquires Property to Strengthen Community Food Security
Erica Padilla-Chavez, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County CEO, announces to the Food Bank Team the acquisition of new property, adjacent to the current warehouse, that will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to serve the growing needs of our community.
On March 31, 2026, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County announced that it has acquired the property adjacent to its current facility that will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to serve the growing needs of our community. The purchase, secured through a unique bargain‑sale opportunity, marks a major step forward in building the resilient infrastructure needed to meet rising demand and respond more effectively during emergencies.
The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment. Over the past few years, Second Harvest’s emergency response efforts underscored that the organization has outgrown its current warehouse and operational space. With food insecurity rising and climate‑related and economic disruptions becoming more frequent, the new property will allow the Food Bank to expand its warehouse, enhance storage and distribution systems, and strengthen its emergency response capabilities.
“This isn’t just a building. It’s a promise to our neighbors. As more families turn to us, this new space gives us the capacity and stability to meet today’s needs and be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. It’s how we honor our mission, by showing up with dignity, reliability, and care, no matter what the future brings.”
—Erica Padilla-Chávez, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
The property opens the door to deeper collaboration with local nonprofits and partner agencies. Over time, the site may support coordinated services that make it easier for families to access multiple resources in one place. This acquisition reflects our deep commitment to the people of Santa Cruz County, providing the space and stability needed to support our neighbors and strengthen the network of care our community relies on.
Next Steps
Second Harvest is committed to shaping the future of this site in close partnership with the community. An advisory committee of community partners, stakeholders, and subject‑matter experts is being formed to help guide the vision, center community voices, and maximize collective impact.
As plans move forward, we will continue to engage our incredible network of community partners, donors, volunteers, staff, and supporters whose dedication and generosity make our work possible every day. Their involvement over the next several years will be critical to developing the Food Bank for today and tomorrow.
We look forward to sharing more as this vision becomes a reality, and we are deeply grateful for your continued partnership and support. Together, we are Nourishing Today and Building Tomorrow. WE are the food bank.
Our stakeholders are excited about what this means
for our neighbors and community. Here’s what they have to say:
Cameron Haste
Board Chair
Second Harvest Food Bank
Santa Cruz County
“One in three residents in Santa Cruz County has faced food insecurity in recent years. That’s not a statistic we can outgrow our way around. This land is our commitment that Second Harvest Food Bank will be here, with the scale and infrastructure to respond, for the next generation of our neighbors. We’re grateful for the trust this community has placed in us, and we intend to earn it.”
Susan True
Chief Executive Officer
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
“We’re thrilled to support this next chapter of growth for Second Harvest, helping extend the Food Bank’s reach so even more families can feel supported, nourished and valued.”
Jess Brown
Executive Director
Santa Cruz County
Farm Bureau
“Many organizations focus on the present. Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County focuses on now and the future. This land acquisition demonstrates planning ahead of increased services to our community. We are fortunate to have a Food Bank that thinks of future generations.”
Donna Young
Chief Executive Officer
Salud Para
La Gente
“At Salud, we see every day how access to healthy food supports the health and wellbeing of the patients and families we serve. Our partnership with the Food Bank helps us extend care beyond our clinic walls and into the daily lives of the families we care for in the Pajaro Valley. We’re excited about the Food Bank’s recent land purchase and the opportunity it creates to expand access to healthy food and other essential services for those who need them most.”
Arturo Fuentes
Warehouse Operations Dir.
Second Harvest Food Bank
Santa Cruz County
“This new building will serve as a powerful symbol of hope, ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry. At the Food Bank, we are committed to having the resources needed to provide nourishment to everyone in need. I am proud to work here for my community, and this new warehouse will significantly enhance our ability to serve and support those who rely on us.”
updated 04/02/26/jh
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Areas | Current | New | Increase |
Overall Warehouse Capacity | 00000 sq.ft. | 00000 sq.ft. | 000% |
Pallet Spaces Available | 0,000 spaces | 0,000 spaces | 000% |
No. of Parking Spots | 40 | 000 | 000% |
Cooler/Freezer | 00,0000 sq. ft | 00,0000 sq. ft | 000% |
Volunteer Sorting Area | 0,000 sq. ft. | 0,000 sq. ft. | 000% |
Training/Conference Center | none | 0,000 sq. ft | 000% |
No. of Conference Rooms | 4 | 0 | 000% |
No. of Loading Docks | 1 | 0 | 000% |