New Leaf Donates 2 Tons of Poultry to Food Bank

New Leaf Community Markets and its partner MBA Poultry, the producer of Smart Chicken® poultry, have donated 4,500 pounds of nutritious Smart Chicken to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased by New Leaf customers during November 2015, the food bank received one pound of the poultry in January 2016. Since 2006 when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the market has donated over 19 tons of poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank, and a total of 25 tons to food banks in the communities it serves.

In addition to the poultry donation, New Leaf collected $9,165 in cash donations from its Santa Cruz customers during this year’s annual holiday food drive for Second Harvest. New Leaf’s total donations to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County for the 2015 year amount to over $14,500. These donations will provide 29,118 meals for local families in need.

“New Leaf Community Markets and Smart Chicken have once again teamed up to provide healthy lean protein to our county. This generous donation means that thousands of pounds of chicken will be distributed to our clients through our 200 agencies and programs. Thank you again New Leaf for being such an amazing partner in building a strong and healthy community,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

“New Leaf 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 big success,” said Chris Farotte, meat and seafood director, New Leaf Community Markets.

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. The company maintains high standards for how the chickens are raised, transported, and prepared for market, and is proud of their Certified Humane status. www.smartchicken.com

About New Leaf Community Markets
A natural grocery company with seven stores, New Leaf has been serving the community for 30 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers choices that have the most beneficial impact on their health and the health of the environment. Helping customers make informed decisions is an integral part of this commitment. A wholly owned subsidiary of New Seasons Market since November 2013, New Leaf is the first grocer in California to achieve B Corporation certification, which means that New Leaf uses the power of business to solve social and economic problems. New Leaf’s mission, to nourish and sustain our community, is reflected in the 10 percent of profits given annually to support local nonprofits working to improve the quality of life. www.newleaf.com

About Second Harvest Food Bank
Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County was the first food bank in California and is the second oldest in the nation. It began by distributing food from a parking lot in Santa Cruz to groups operating the Breakfast for Kids program. Second Harvest’s mission is to end hunger and malnutrition by educating and involving the community. Through its network of more than 200 agencies and programs and over 3,000 volunteers, the food bank distributes over 8 million pounds of food annually to working poor families, children, and seniors. www.thefoodbank.org