Hermosa partners with local food bank to secure new location

South32 worked with a local contractor, Quality Care Construction, over the course of several months to renovate the unique and storied space in the former Tree of Life Center, located east of Patagonia.

Previously, East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank worked out of multiple locations, most recently operating from a small space in a local church.

The new food bank location offers a bright and welcoming environment with permanent office space and a proper warehouse, where food can be received and packaged for distribution to families in need.

“The process of defining our wants and needs in a new food bank took months but it became apparent that South32 was committed to creating a place for the food bank,” said Jim Staudacher, President of the East Santa Cruz Community Food Bank.

“The result of this collaboration, as well as the support of the community and the hard work of our volunteers resulted in our moving into the new food bank.”

East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank serves local community members with both supplemental and emergency food resources.

After helping with move-in, South32 proudly handed over keys to food bank employees and will be leasing it to this critical nonprofit for $1 per year.

The food bank is now located at 772 Harshaw Road in Patagonia and is open on the second Saturday of every month from 8:30AM - 10:30AM, with Monday vegetable distribution at the Senior Center from 10:30AM - 11:30AM.