Volunteer Profiles - Meet New Leaf Community Markets

New Leaf Community Markets is a local grocery store who prides themselves in giving back to the community. New Leaf believes their communities are at the heart of everything they do, which is why New Leaf Community Markets gives back 10% of their after-tax profits to community programs that support their mission to nourish and sustain their communities, with the hunger fight being one of their top three priorities.

“No one should go to bed, work or school, hungry.  As a local grocer, we feel it’s our duty to not only provide our customers with the freshest, local foods…but to also provide continued support to the organizations who are working to feed those in need”, says New Leaf Community Relations Specialist, Robin Nardello.  “The Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County is the heartbeat of the hunger fight in our community, and we’re proud to be their partner!”

Throughout the year, New Leaf supports the Second Harvest Food Bank, with an extra push around the holidays featuring their annual Holiday Fund Drive and Smart Giving.

“People want to help, whether it’s donating their time or money, but with our hectic day-to-day lives, it’s sometimes hard to make it a priority.  With our Holiday Fund Drive and Smart Giving campaigns, we make it easy for our customers to help!”, says Nardello. “Starting November 1 through December 31, customers can add a dollar, which equals 4 healthy meals – or any amount they choose – to their final bill when they shop in any of our New Leaf locations.  At the end of the campaign, 100% of the funds collected is donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank!”  New Leaf also ups the ante by doubling the donations on Giving Tuesday, November 30^th, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

In addition to the Holiday Fund Drive, New Leaf Community Markets partner with one of the vendors whose products you can find on their shelves year round, Smart Chicken, for “Smart Giving”.  Throughout the month of November, every 10 pounds of Smart Chicken purchased in the stores, Smart Chicken donates one pound of fresh chicken to the Second Harvest Food Bank.  This has resulted in thousands of pounds of fresh protein donated to the food bank each year. Another simple way to support the local community.

The Volunteer Center and New Leaf have a shared desire to assist in the effort to combat hunger. You can join us in this mission by volunteering for Second Harvest Food Bank HERE.