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Santa Cruz, CA – February 1, 2017 – New Leaf Community Markets in Santa Cruz County and its partner Smart Chicken® have donated 4,465 pounds of nutritious poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased by New Leaf customers during November 2016, the food bank received one pound of the poultry. Since 2006 when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the market has donated over 21 tons of poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank, and a total of 28 tons to food banks in the communities New Leaf serves. In addition to the poultry donation, New Leaf collected $9,710 in cash donations from its Santa Cruz County customers during the holiday food drive for Second Harvest. These funds will provide 52,297 meals for local families in need. “For the 10th year in a row, New Leaf Community Markets, Smart Chicken and county residents have partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to combat hunger in Santa Cruz, “said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. “New Leaf’s Smart Chicken donation provides quality lean protein to our county’s most vulnerable, while the community’s support enables us to distribute fresh produce and pantry items. Together we’re fighting hunger and creating a healthier county. Together, we’re feeding hope,” he added. “New Leaf is very appreciative of our partner Smart Chicken and 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 humanely raised, transported, and prepared for market. About New Leaf Community Markets A natural grocery company with seven stores, New Leaf has been serving the community for 31 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
Santa Cruz, CA – February 1, 2017 – New Leaf Community Markets in Santa Cruz County and its partner Smart Chicken® have donated 4,465 pounds of nutritious poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. For every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased by New Leaf customers during November 2016, the food bank received one pound of the poultry. Since 2006 when New Leaf launched the Smart Giving program, the market has donated over 21 tons of poultry to Second Harvest Food Bank, and a total of 28 tons to food banks in the communities New Leaf serves. In addition to the poultry donation, New Leaf collected $9,710 in cash donations from its Santa Cruz County customers during the holiday food drive for Second Harvest. These funds will provide 52,297 meals for local families in need. “For the 10th year in a row, New Leaf Community Markets, Smart Chicken and county residents have partnered with Second Harvest Food Bank to combat hunger in Santa Cruz, “said Willy Elliott-McCrea, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County. “New Leaf’s Smart Chicken donation provides quality lean protein to our county’s most vulnerable, while the community’s support enables us to distribute fresh produce and pantry items. Together we’re fighting hunger and creating a healthier county. Together, we’re feeding hope,” he added. “New Leaf is very appreciative of our partner Smart Chicken and 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 humanely raised, transported, and prepared for market. About New Leaf Community Markets
A natural grocery company with seven stores, New Leaf has been serving the community for 31 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