New Leaf Community Markets Donates 1.6 Tons of Smart Chicken(R) Poultry & $7,595 to Second Harvest Food Bank

New Leaf Community Markets Donates 1.6 Tons of Smart Chicken® Poultry and $7,595 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties

New Leaf Community Markets 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 Leaf and sister store New Seasons Market Evergreen 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 2006 when New Leaf launched this program, it has donated 25 tons to food banks in the communities it serves.

In addition to the poultry donation, $7,595 in cash donations from customers collected at store cash registers during this year’s annual holiday food drive, will be given to the food bank. This donation will provide 15,190 meals for local families in need.

“The poultry we are receiving thanks to our partnership with New Leaf Community Markets 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 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 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. 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 Leaf Community Markets
A natural grocery company with seven locations including 150 San Mateo Rd, Half Moon Bay, 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 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.