SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK SANTA CRUZ COUNTY WINS MORGAN STANLEY AWARD TO EXPAND PROGRAMS DELIVERING NUTRITIOUS MEALS TO CHILDREN AND FAMILIES $25,000 Grant Will Provide 100,000 Meals

Watsonville— Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County today announced a $25,000 grant from Morgan Stanley to expand it nutrition programs. The local award is the latest phase of Fill the Plate, Morgan Stanley’s long-standing partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s leading hunger-relief charity.  In total, Morgan Stanley has committed more than $13 million for the Feeding America network to distribute millions of meals to children and families across all 50 states.  As part of that initiative, Morgan Stanley will award more than $1 million each year for the next four years to local food banks like Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, to launch, expand and sustain critical childhood feeding programs.

“We are thrilled to receive this important grant from Morgan Stanley to fund our efforts to deliver more nutritious meals to children and families,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Executive Director.  “What’s extraordinary and groundbreaking about this award is that we were able to choose how to use the funds in a way that best matches the nutritional health needs of our community.”

“Giving back to the communities where we live and work is one of Morgan Stanley’s core values,” said Rachel Wedeen, CFP, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley. “As Morgan Stanley employees we are proud of our Firm’s grant to Second Harvest, especially since so many of us are also long-time volunteers at this important community organization.” 

Nationwide, child hunger is a critical problem. According to the US Department of Agriculture, about 16 million children are at risk of going hungry. About one in five children under the age of 18 don't have access to enough nutritious food to learn, grown and thrive.

About Second Harvest Food of Bank Santa Cruz County

Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. Our mission is to end hunger and malnutrition by educating and involving the community. For every $1 dollar donated, Second Harvest provides four meals. Second Harvest has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator in recognition of our effective stewardship.

Every action and every dollar makes a difference in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Working together, we build stronger communities.

For more information: www.thefoodbank.org