At Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, volunteers and staff are as busy as ever right now, because the need is as great as ever.
“One in six neighbors currently has access to food assistance,” said Shobana Gubbi, Chief Philanthropy Officer.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley distributes food for free to nearly 400 local nonprofits and agencies that help distribute the food to people in need in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Nearly 90% of the funding comes from the community.
“Yes, it is a very wealthy area. But we also have the highest level of income inequality. It is extremely expensive to live here, as we all know. Rent, groceries, gas, childcare – everything is expensive, and everything is more expensive in Silicon Valley,” said Gubbi.
When times get tough, experts explain that the food budget is often the first thing people cut back on.
“Many of our customers often work multiple jobs and can’t stretch their money far enough,” she said.
Second Harvest is in the midst of a major effort to help people combat this crisis of silence, and its leaders are calling for help from anyone in the community who is able to do so. There is a major incentive in effect until midnight on Giving Tuesday, making donations extra impactful.
“Every donation you make now will be tripled thanks to a generous donation from the Reid Hoffman Foundation,” Gubbi said. “We are extremely efficient. With one dollar donated, we can provide enough food for two meals. If you donate $10 now, that will provide 60 meals.”
Whether it’s a donation of money, food or time, Gubbi says it really makes a difference.
“There is so much uncertainty in our world. Giving back here in our community is something tangible that each of us can do,” she said.
