Who Are the Grey Bears? Grey Bears, founded in 1973, is a grassroots, nonprofit organization of seniors over 55. Grey Bears is best known for its development and implementation of a program called Operation Brown Bag. Most simply stated, donated food is distributed via a network of sites throughout the county. Last year, Grey Bears distributed 1.2 million pounds of fresh produce thanks to the generosity of the Ag community. Operation Brown Bag serves over 2,100 members a week throughout Santa Cruz County, distributing fresh and packaged food items. Any person, 55 years and older, is eligible for general membership which costs $20 per year. There are no income requirements to join. We share the bounty. Our Board of Directors has made a commitment that no senior will go hungry in Santa Cruz County. Get your Membership Application here!