Our response to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic
Second Harvest rapidly expands operations as the need for food doubles
Second Harvest is deemed an essential service provider during the COVID-19 pandemic and must remain fully operational to ensure everyone in our community has access to nutritious food. This means food bank staff and volunteers supporting the pandemic response are considered essential.
As our community responds to the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley remains committed to our mission knowing that our most vulnerable community members are deeply and disproportionately impacted by public crises such as this.
We are living in an unprecedented time that requires an unprecedented level of response to support those who are most impacted by COVID-19 and the economic downturn. The members of our community who are affected need our help like never before – job loss, wage loss and a depletion of savings have pushed many families deeper into poverty and forced others to seek food assistance for the very first time.
Even before COVID-19, Second Harvest was responding to a level of food insecurity in Silicon Valley that indicated there was already a crisis, providing groceries to a record number of clients every month (250,000+). After the pandemic hit, that number doubled to 500,000 people on average every month.
Our response by the numbers
130+ drive thrus
We have worked hard to open emergency drive-thru sites as well as help our partners convert distributions.
5,500 deliveries
We launched a home delivery program that is serving more than 5,500 households on average every month.
11 million+ pounds
We are now distributing an average of more than 11 million pounds every month.
2x expenses
Our expenses have doubled since the start of the pandemic. In June we spent $3.5 million more than we did in February.
2x food budget
The increased demand has caused our food budget to double.
How can I help?
Additional resources
Frequently asked questions