Together at the Table: Community Bridges and Grey Bears Strengthen Partnership to Combat Senior Hunger Amid Rising Need

Santa Cruz County, CA — Two of Santa Cruz County’s longest-standing senior-serving nonprofits—Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears—are deepening their partnership to address a growing crisis: thousands of older adults in our region are going hungry.

With a combined century of service, Grey Bears and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County are uniting to confront the growing challenges facing local seniors. Together, we are rallying community support to ensure every older adult has access to nutritious food, meaningful social connection, and vital wellness checks—now and in the future. Together, we provide a comprehensive safety net of weekly grocery bags, home-delivered meals, and wellness visits—tailored to the unique needs of aging adults across Santa Cruz County.

Now, we need your help.

Says Community Bridges Raymon Cancino: “Food insecurity isn’t just a national issue—it’s a daily reality for many of our neighbors. And with looming cuts to SNAP, Medicaid, and other critical support programs, this is a defining moment for our seniors. That’s why we’re stepping up, together, to ensure no older adult is left to face hunger or isolation alone. The challenges ahead are serious—but our community has always risen to meet moments like this with compassion and strength. Now is the time to do it again.”

Jennifer Merchant, Grey Bears Executive Director, agrees “Santa Cruz County has the fastest-growing senior population in California, and we’re acutely feeling that demand. While the need for senior services is at an all-time high, Grey Bears and Meals on Wheels offer uniquely local solutions, providing food that matches the demand of every stage of life. We are the safety net seniors can count on for reliable access to nutritious food.”

The local need is dire. According to Age Well Santa Cruz County’s Community Assessment, nearly 1 in 3 seniors in Santa Cruz County reports being concerned about their ability to afford food. Additionally:

At the same time, billions of dollars in federal cuts to essential safety net programs like CalFresh (SNAP) and the National Senior Nutrition Program (NSIP) are compounding the crisis. As food prices remain high and healthcare costs rise, local seniors are increasingly forced to choose between paying for groceries, medication, or rent—especially in the nation’s most unaffordable rental market.

These challenges are expected to grow even more severe under the newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which slashes funding for Medicaid and SNAP while expanding work requirements for adults aged 55–64. Nearly 17 million people nationwide are projected to lose health coverage, and older adults will face even greater barriers to accessing food and care.

Though the bill includes a one-time tax deduction for seniors, it pales in comparison to the long-term harm caused by cuts to the very programs they rely on to age with dignity and security.

Instead of waiting for help from elsewhere, Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears are expanding their collaborative efforts to rally community support:

Here’s How You Can Help

Both organizations are calling on the community to get involved:

Need food assistance?

About Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County 

Since 1976, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, has served nearly 10 million meals to 75,000 local seniors in need. Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County serves 1,600 seniors in need each year with nutritious meals and caring human contact. The tireless work of this program—supported by a dedicated army of 80 volunteers—allows thousands of Santa Cruz County residents to remain healthy, safe, and independent in their own homes.

About Grey Bears

Local, vital and multifaceted, Grey Bears promotes good nutrition, activity and social connection as the perfect recipe for healthy aging. Since 1973 the Healthy Food program has delivered 110 million pounds of food to Santa Cruz County seniors, veterans, families and farmworkers.

The Grey Bears thrift store repurposes donated household items while reducing our collective carbon footprint. Three recycling centers divert 8,000 tons of material from landfills each year, and our composting site transforms 60 tons of food scraps into high-quality compost for sale in the thrift store. We promote activity, seniors learning and volunteering to keep our community engaged and connected. Learn more at www.greybears.org.

📊 This year, we’ve seen significant shifts in the needs of our community: a 110% increase in crisis support, a 61% increase in unhoused clients, and a 45% increase in seniors over the age of 75.🌟 Behind every percentage is a person — a neighbor in crisis finding stability, an unhoused client receiving care and dignity, a senior gaining the support they need to age safely.Thanks to your support, we are meeting these growing challenges with compassion, resilience, and hope. Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community.👉 See more in our 2025 Annual Report: communitybridges.org/annual-reports ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Congratulations to our September Employee of the Month, Fernanda Salazar! 🌟As a degreed Nutritionist, Fernanda goes above and beyond to support families with care, knowledge, and heart. We’re grateful for your dedication and the light you bring to our community. #EmployeeOfTheMonth #CommunityBridges #WIC ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🚐 This year, elder and disabled neighbors in our community received more than 109,489 door to door rides, including 51,840 medical rides, and 57,649 shelter rides.🌟 Behind every number is a journey. A senior making it safely to a doctor’s appointment, a ride to shelter that offered comfort and stability, or a trip that kept someone connected to their community. Thanks to your support, our seniors aren’t just getting from place to place. They are staying healthy, safe, and connected. Together, we are driving a stronger, kinder community.👉 See more in our 2025 Annual Report: communitybridges.org/annual-reports ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Win a $50 gift card! Take the County of Santa Cruz Strategic Plan 2032 survey and help shape the future of our community. As part of the County’s planning process, community members are being asked to share their priorities for the years ahead. Your feedback matters!👉 Survey Link: tinyurl.com/2026StrategicPlan ----------------------------------------------------------¡Gana una tarjeta de regalo de $50! Participa en la encuesta del Plan Estratégico 2032 del Condado de Santa Cruz y ayuda a forjar el futuro de nuestra comunidad. Como parte del proceso de planificación del Condado, se les pide a los miembros de la comunidad que compartan sus prioridades para los próximos años. ¡Tu opinión es importante!👉 Enlace de la encuesta: tinyurl.com/PlanEstrategico2026📢 Santa Cruz County wants to hear from YOU! Help shape the next Strategic Plan, which will guide local priorities from 2026–2032. 🗓️💡 Your input will directly influence the County’s goals — and by completing the survey, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card!👉 Take the survey today: tinyurl.com/2026StrategicPlanSpanish:📢 ¡El Condado de Santa Cruz quiere escuchar SU voz! Ayude a dar forma al próximo Plan Estratégico, que guiará las prioridades locales de 2026 a 2032. 🗓️💡 Su opinión influirá directamente en las metas del Condado — y al completar la encuesta, participará en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $50.👉 Complete la encuesta aquí: tinyurl.com/PlanEstrategico2026 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook