New Seasons Market Evergreen Donates 1.6 Tons of Nutritious Smart Chicken(R) Poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank

New Seasons Market Evergreen and its partner MBA Poultry, the producer of Smart Chicken®, have donated 3,294 pounds of nutritious Smart Chicken to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties.

For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased by customers of New Seasons Market Evergreen and sister store New Leaf Community Market in Half Moon Bay during November 2015, the food bank received one pound of Smart Chicken in January 2016. This year’s donation brings the total donated to the food bank to 5.8 tons since 2013.

“The poultry we are receiving thanks to our partnership with New Seasons Market Evergreen will go a long way toward helping us feed the quarter of a million people who rely on us every month for food,” said Kathy Jackson, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. “Poultry is a great source of protein for the children, seniors and families we serve, so we are very grateful,” she added.

“New Seasons Market is grateful to MBA Poultry, for their generous support of those in need in our community. We are also very appreciative of our customers who have joined with us to make this annual effort for local food banks such a success,” said Chris Farotte, meat and seafood director, New Seasons Market Evergreen.

Smart Chicken is made from 100% all-natural, free-roaming, grain-fed chickens that are raised without animal byproducts, antibiotics, or hormones. The poultry is processed using purified cold air instead of being chilled in non-potable communal water baths, which eliminates water absorption and cross contamination. Smart Chicken maintains high standards for how the chickens are raised, transported, and prepared for market, and is proud of their Certified Humane status.

About New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets
Founded in 2000, New Seasons Market is a leader in the grocery industry. New Seasons Market offers a product mix that gives customers choice and convenience with an extensive selection of local, natural and organic products as well as everyday name-brand items. It is the first grocer in the world to become a Certified B Corporation, which recognizes businesses that place as much value on taking care of their staff, the community and the environment as they do on growing and operating their business. In 2013, New Leaf Community Markets, a like-minded natural and organic grocer, joined New Seasons Market as a wholly owned subsidiary. Currently, five of New Leaf’s seven stores operate in California’s Central Coast and East Bay region under this partnership. New Leaf, whose mission is to nourish and sustain the community, is the first grocer in California to achieve B Corporation certification. Giving back is part of both companies’ culture; each donates 10 percent of its after-tax profits to local nonprofit organizations that work to end hunger, educate youth and protect the environment. Learn more at www.newseasonsmarket.com and www.newleaf.com.

About Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to one quarter of a million people each month. The Food Bank mobilizes individuals, companies and community partners to connect people to the nutritious food they need. More than half the food distributed is fresh produce. In fact, Second Harvest provides more fresh fruits and vegetables than any other food bank in the United States. Second Harvest also plays a leading role in promoting federal nutrition programs and educating families on how to make healthier food choices. Visit www.SHFB.org to get involved.