New Leaf's Smart Giving Program for Food Bank Underway

Join New Leaf Community Markets in supporting Second Harvest this holiday season through the market’s Smart Giving program.

Throughout the month of November, for every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken® purchased at any New Leaf Community Market in Santa Cruz County, one pound of the nutritious, air-chilled poultry will be donated by New Leaf and Smart Chicken’s producer to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

Last holiday season, New Leaf donated over two tons of Smart Chicken to Second Harvest, bringing the total donated to the food bank to 17.5 tons. Since 2006 when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the market has donated over 21 tons of Smart Chicken to food banks in the communities it serves.

“Getting healthy protein to our partner agencies is a priority, and meat is one of our biggest expenses. New Leaf’s Smart Chicken annual donation is a very big part of helping us achieve our goal—they are a true partner in helping us ensure that the community has access to healthy and nutritious food,” said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County.

“New Leaf is very appreciative of Smart Chicken’s producer, MBA Poultry, for their generous support of those in need in our community. We are also very appreciative of our customers for joining with us to make this annual effort for 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. The company 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
An organic and 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 of Santa Cruz County
Founded in 1972, Second Harvest 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