Opinion from Community Voices – published March 11, 2025 in Lookout Santa Cruz
by Erica Padilla-Chavez and Dennis Webb
Did you know that Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, founded in 1972, was the first food bank established in California? From the beginning, local farmers have stood in solidarity with food banks to ensure no child, individual, or family goes hungry. Together, we’ve weathered earthquakes, floods, wildfires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, we face another critical challenge — drastic federal cuts to food assistance programs that would devastate families, farmers and local businesses.
Proposed federal cuts of more than $200 billion to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as CalFresh in California, would impact 41,000 local residents, including thousands of children. These cuts would strip an estimated $69 million in benefits from Santa Cruz County families, putting food security at risk for those who need it most.
The damage wouldn’t stop there. Farmers, agricultural workers and small businesses would also suffer as decreased demand for fresh produce affects local sales. Nationwide, more than 28,000 California retailers could see revenue drops, threatening family-owned stores that rely on community purchases.
SNAP is our county’s largest food assistance program, with Second Harvest Food Bank as the second largest. If these cuts take effect, food banks will be overwhelmed, while farmers — already struggling — might be unable to provide the level of support they always have.
Meanwhile, state budget decisions also pose risks. The governor’s proposal to slash CalFood funding by more than $50 million threatens a vital program that serves over 70,000 Santa Cruz County residents. CalFood helps food banks purchase locally grown food, directly benefiting farmers and ensuring families have access to fresh, nutritious meals. Investing in CalFood fights hunger and sustains California’s agricultural backbone.
Strong food assistance programs don’t just help those facing hunger — they support entire communities, from farms to grocery stores. Now more than ever, we must unite to protect these programs that sustain our economy and ensure no one is left behind.
We urge our federal and state leaders to remember that few things are more fundamental than ensuring people in our communities have access to the nourishment they need to thrive. The partnership between food banks and farmers has long been a pillar of California’s strength. By preserving these vital programs, we can continue fighting hunger, supporting local agriculture and keeping our communities thriving.
By taking these actions, you can help bring attention to the importance of food assistance programs and push back against proposed cuts at both the state and federal levels.
To support the fight against hunger and protect vital food assistance programs, we urge community members to take action. Reach out to your local, state and federal representatives to express your concerns about the proposed cuts to SNAP and CalFood. Urge them to protect these vital programs that support families, farmers, and local businesses. Consider spreading awareness about the importance of these programs through social media and community events. Additionally, support local farmers and businesses by purchasing their products, and participate in food drives to stock local pantries.
Erica Padilla-Chavez is chief executive officer of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County.
Dennis Webb is the president of the Farm Bureau Santa Cruz County.