Family Harvest

The most recent Second Harvest Hunger Gap Study (2009) found that 1 in 4 people in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties are facing hunger. In San Mateo County alone, residents missed 55.4 million meals in 2009. With 35,000 residents, the mid-coast (Montara to Pescadaro) comprises roughly 5% of the county. This means that our neighbors missed about 7,500 meals every day.

On the third Thursday of every month Coastside Hope partners with Second Harvest Food Bank to provide monthly groceries to about 80 families, all with dependent children. The average Family Harvest recipient household's income is $1,441 per month. On the day of the distribution, Second Harvest delivers six to seven tons of food to our Princeton Harbor warehouse. Twenty-five volunteers then break the bulk food into family sized servings. Recipients queue up in their cars and our volunteers give them their bags of groceries for the month. Carpools are common, as many cannot afford a car. The program is an efficient use of resources, taking less than four hours and only two employees. Our volunteers make it all happen — neighbors helping neighbors!

Right now I'm not working, so it saves me a lot. With it and a little money, I can get through the month. Thank You!
- Steven

I like everything. It helps a lot with the kids, don't know what I'd do without it.
– Socorro

I love everything about the program and it really helps for those of us who are unemployed.
- Jose

It helps a lot with the low-income families and with our kids.
- Petra

We like everything they give us and it helps a lot.
– Ana

It helps a lot with the vegetables.
– Mariana