The 13th Annual Food from the Heart Luncheon

A Valentine-themed luncheon celebrating Meals on Wheels

Friday, February 13 from 11am to 1pm

Chaminade Resort & Spa, Santa Cruz

Celebrate 50 years of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County at our Valentine’s Day–themed Food from the Heart Luncheon. Join us as we honor a half-century of delivering “More Than a Meal” — nourishment, connection, and compassion — to 1,600 isolated and vulnerable older adults each year.

A beloved community gathering, the Food from the Heart Luncheon on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 11am to 1pm at the Chaminade Resort & Spa celebrates Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, now proudly marking 50 years of service.

For five decades, Meals on Wheels has delivered More Than a Meal — ensuring older adults across Santa Cruz County receive not only nutritious food, but also essential human connection, safety checks, and support services. Each year, our program reaches more than 1,600 vulnerable and homebound seniors, helping them live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging.

This festive Valentine-themed event brings together local leaders, neighbors, and generous supporters for a heartfelt afternoon featuring romantic silent and live auction items, an exciting raffle, a delicious catered lunch, our annual Sweetheart Award ceremony, and inspiring updates from our program as we celebrate fifty years of impact.

Sponsorship opportunities are described in our sponsor packet here. We also welcome your love-inspired auction item donations. Together, let’s join hearts to deliver nutritious meals and heartfelt companionship to our beloved local seniors who helped shape our community!

Questions? Contact donations@cbridges.org or 831-688-8840 ext. 205.

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and service in the pursuit of justice and equality continues to inspire us to take action.While progress has been made, there is still important work ahead to achieve true equity in the United States and beyond. We remain committed to speaking out against injustice and standing together for a more just future.In observance of Dr. King’s legacy, our offices will be closed on Monday, 1/19. ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Join us in celebrating the newest additions to our Community Bridges family—Elizabeth and Nelida! We’re excited to welcome them as they bring fresh energy, positivity, and passion to our programs.Interested in joining our team too? Check out our open positions at communitybridges.org/careers. ... See MoreSee Less
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Meals on Wheels Santa Cruz County is delivering 30% more meals today than we did pre-COVID—and this isn’t a short-term trend. For many older adults, the rising cost of food, housing, and basic necessities has collided with fixed incomes and increasing isolation. That means more seniors are depending on Meals on Wheels not only for nutrition, but for the safety check, reassurance, and human connection that comes with every delivery.This is the reality in Santa Cruz County: the need is growing, and our community is stepping up. But local programs can’t carry this alone. Federal leadership is essential to protect and expand senior nutrition—especially as funding decisions approach.Read and share our op-ed to understand what’s at stake and why Congress must act to protect this lifeline for older adults: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/07/guest-commentary-a-funding-freeze-would-put-seniors-at-risk-...#MealsOnWheels #SantaCruzCounty #SantaCruz #SeniorNutrition #InvestInSeniors #AgingWithDignity #CommunityCare #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #EndSeniorHunger ... See MoreSee Less
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6 days ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
We’re incredibly grateful to Caroline's Non Profit Thrift Shop for a generous $25,000 donation that’s helping us expand mental health outreach and strengthen family support across all four Family Resource Collective sites.This support means expanded sliding-scale counseling and psychoeducation groups for youth, parents, and caregivers—creating space for healing, growth, and connection.Because of partners like Caroline’s Thrift, families can access trauma-informed, culturally responsive care before challenges turn into crises. That’s the power of prevention and the heart of a strong community.Caroline’s Thrift is a true cornerstone of Santa Cruz County, fundraising every day to support children and families. We’re grateful to be part of this circle of care. 💚Be sure to visit them in Aptos to shop or donate and support local causes! carolinesnonprofit.org/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Every Family Needs a Plan

Urge the Attorney General to adopt California’s Childcare Safety Plan.

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