Second Harvest Food bank seeks donations

The Second Harvest Food Bank is urging the community to be giving this holiday season as the food bank works to reach its donation goals for hungry residents in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, a center spokeswoman said.

The food bank is only a quarter of a way toward their goal of raising $12.4 million and 2 million pounds of food for its holiday food drive, Second Harvest spokeswoman Caitlin Kerk said.

"The community has been incredibly generous,” she said. "We hope the community continues to give.”

Thus far the food bank has only raised about $3 million and 200,000 pounds of food.

"This is the time of year when people are thinking about others in need,” Kerk said.

Cash donations go far at the food bank where $1 can provide two meals.

"Every little bit helps,” Kerk said. "If a dollar buys two nutritious meals it means everyone can help out.”

Food donations also help the nearly 250,000 people in the two counties that the food bank serves each month.

The food bank serves the community year-round, however, they see need increase during the holidays, Kerk said.

"If all you can do is throw a can of food into a bin — that’s enough,” Kerk said.

Foods that are most-needed include peanut butter, canned tuna and other canned meats, beans and stews. Pop-top cans are preferred since many of the people receiving the items do not have kitchens.

To donate money visit shfb.org or call (866) 234-3663. Food donations can be made at food bank centers in San Jose and San Carlos, as well as collection barrels at local Whole Foods Market and Safeway grocery stores. For those interested in donating their time and energy, volunteers are always needed at the food bank, Kerk said. Following the holiday season the need for volunteers surges, Kerk said.

For more information visit shfb.org.