Donations for Food Bank Underway at New Leaf Community Markets

Throughout the month of November, for every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken® poultry purchased at any New Leaf Community Markets in Santa Cruz County, one pound will be donated by New Leaf and Smart Chicken’s producer to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. Since 2006 when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the organic market has donated nearly 29 tons of poultry to the food bank.

From November 1 through December 31, New Leaf will also be hosting its annual holiday food drive, helping customers donate to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County at the register while shopping for their own holiday meals. New Leaf matches donations made on Giving Tuesday, December 3.

Last holiday season, New Leaf Community Markets and its partner Smart Chicken® donated 3,965 pounds of the nutritious Smart Chicken poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County and 2,845 pounds to the Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. In addition to poultry, New Leaf donated funds plus customer contributions totaling over $7,548 to the food banks during the 2018 holiday food drive, which provided over 30,192 meals for families in need.

“The continued partnership with New Leaf Community Markets, Smart Chicken, county residents and Second Harvest Food Bank works to combat hunger in our community,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. “The Smart Chicken donation provides quality, lean proteins to our county’s most vulnerable. Smart Chicken, in combination with fresh, locally sourced produce provides a complete, healthy meal for thousands of people in Santa Cruz County each year. Together, we are creating a thriving community,“ he added.

Smart Chicken is made from 100% all-natural, humanely raised, vegetable 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 sustainably raised, transported, and prepared for market. Smart Chicken can be purchased in the meat case or as a rotisserie chicken from the deli at New Leaf Community Markets.

About New Leaf Community Markets

An organic and natural grocer with five stores along the Central Coast, New Leaf Community Markets has been serving the community for 34 years. New Leaf is committed to offering customers foods and products 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 Community Markets 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. Connect at: www.newleaf.com.