Food and Nutrition
To provide nutritional support to the maximum amount of families, a drive-thru grocery distribution is now in place.
We provide supplementary food for over 25,000 low-income families in South Santa Clara County who need to chose between feeding their families and funding other basic needs.
Food insecurity in South Santa Clara County has reached crisis levels. Over the past five years, St. Joseph’s Family Center (as it was known pre-merger) has seen a 284% increase in individuals served and a 643% rise in food distribution transactions—now totaling over 6.4 million pounds annually.
Yet just as demand peaks, vital funding and food supplies are plummeting with donated food cut by 40%, public funding diminished by 75%, and local funding was withdrawn, while costs have tripled.
Without immediate funding, we cannot meet this overwhelming need.
Grocery Rescue Program
Turning Food Surplus into Community Support
Every day in South County, perfectly good food is discarded while many families go without. At South County Community Services, we’re changing that story—one rescued grocery item at a time.
As one of the largest participants in the County’s Grocery Rescue efforts, we partner with over 15 local retailers, farms, food suppliers, and even community residents to collect edible surplus food that would otherwise go to waste. This includes fresh produce, baked goods, dairy, meat, and prepared meals—all safely recovered and redirected to families in need.
Feeding People, Not Landfills
Food waste is one of the largest contributors to climate change—and hunger is one of our community’s most urgent challenges. The Grocery Rescue Program helps solve both by:
Reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions
Feeding thousands of local residents facing food insecurity
Building a more sustainable, equitable food system
Last year alone, rescued food from this program helped provide millions of meals across South County.
Local Impact, Shared Responsibility
This program thrives because of strong local partnerships. Retailers and farms gain a meaningful way to reduce waste. Nonprofits like SCCS become efficient distribution hubs. And families across our community receive nutritious food—often the very same day it was rescued.
Together, we’re building a community where surplus becomes sustenance and generosity becomes action.
Want to Get Involved?
Whether you’re a grocery store, a farmer, a local business, or a resident with extra food to give—we welcome your partnership. Help us extend the life of our resources, reduce waste, and keep South County nourished.