The Grey Bears Brown Bag Program is one of the most efficient and successful food distribution programs in the United States. Volunteers glean the fields, help collect donated food from local stores and supermarkets, assemble bags of food in our warehouse and deliver it to a network of sites and medically homebound seniors throughout Santa Cruz County every week. This year, through our produce recovery program, Grey Bears will distribute 2.6 million pounds of fresh, nutritious food to 4,000 Santa Cruz County seniors.
Anyone of any age can become a general member to support our programs for just $20 per year. Those 55 years and older are eligible to receive a weekly bag of groceries. There are no income requirements to join. We share the bounty.
It’s easy to become a member of Grey Bears! Click here to fill out our online membership form and begin receiving a weekly brown bag of groceries.
In these increasingly complex times the Brown Bag concept, which brings benefit both to recipient and donor, takes on even greater importance. Not only does it address the conservation of food resources and recycling, it also helps fulfill both material and human potential.
For the majority of our members, the brown bag program stretches fixed income dollars and provides an opportunity for involvement and activity. Grey Bears creates an extended family-like environment that fosters a feeling of belonging, of being needed and contributing to a larger community. The improvement of self-confidence and self-worth are immeasurable by-products of our programs. Grey Bears benefits from an active volunteer base of 500 amazing people who donate 100,000 hours of service every year.
Check out the brown bag line on the first day of spring 2013.