Volunteer
While we come from diverse backgrounds, we’re all one community.
Your support has never been more critical
Rising grocery and healthcare costs, combined with devastating cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in HR1 will have a real impact on our neighbors. Thank you for standing with us during this uncertain time.
Get the food and nutrition you need
The cost of living remains one of the most difficult aspects of living in Silicon Valley – you and your family don’t have to choose between paying bills or eating healthy food.
Second Harvest offers a number of free food resources.
Ending hunger in our community
Our mission is to end hunger in our community. Our volunteers, donors and supporters help us provide food to families, multi-generational households, seniors and college students. We offer more than just nourishment, we are helping people in our own community feel a little more secure and find joy in the pleasure of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.
Nearly
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People served every month
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Partners at +900 sites are working with us to help distribute food
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Million pounds distributed, enough food for 93M+ meals
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Worth of free groceries are distributed monthly to clients who attend weekly
Now more than ever, we need your help
Volunteer
Donate
Donate
Anyone who needs a healthy meal should be able to get one. Your donation can make that possible.
Start A Drive
Start A Drive
It only takes a few clicks to start a virtual food drive, and share with your friends and family.
How food impacts our well being
Silicon Valley’s Low Unemployment Hides a Cost-of-living Crisis
Silicon Valley's seemingly low unemployment rate masks a significant cost-of-living crisis, with nearly one-third of households struggling to meet basic needs. Despite a 4% unemployment rate, food insecurity affects 1 in 6 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. High living costs, particularly rent, force families to prioritize bills over nutritious food. Even those working multiple jobs find their incomes insufficient in the expensive region.
50 Years of Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Founded in the 1970s, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley rescues surplus food to serve the community. For decades, it has provided nutritious food during crises, relying on volunteers and donations to address both immediate needs and long-term hunger solutions.
Stress Eating and Our Relationship With Food
Have you ever felt the need to plop down on the couch with a bag of chips or cookies after a stressful day? Maybe you reach for some other type of food that might help you feel a little better in the moment. That’s what we call stress eating and it’s pretty common.
The Healing Power of Traditional Foods – Disney and Diego’s Story
Disney and Diego, a couple from Colombia, moved to the Bay Area just before the pandemic. They faced numerous challenges, including limited income and cramped living conditions. Despite these difficulties, they stayed connected to their Colombian roots by cooking traditional foods like caldo de pollo. Over time, they expanded their culinary skills and attended nutrition workshops to provide nutritious meals for their growing family. Their story is a testament to resilience and the power of food to keep cultural ties alive in a foreign land.
Leading Local Food Rescue to Help End Hunger
Second Harvest is the leader in food rescue in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. We connect smaller nonprofits with a greater variety of foods to distribute to clients. We rescue more food than any other organization in our two counties, ensuring that quality surplus food is distributed to neighbors experiencing hunger.
How You Can Help Divert Food Waste
Food insecurity isn't always obvious and food insecurity myths simplify the complexity of the problems our neighbors and communities face.
CalFresh, Snap, EBT, Food Stamps? Our Food Connection Team Helps Explain
CalFresh can add to your food budget to put nutritious food on the table. Learn more about CalFresh benefits and how you can apply.
