Second Harvest Announces Martinelli’s 10-Year, $500K Commitment to Fighting Hunger

Watsonville, CA – November 12, 2026 – During this holiday season, individuals, businesses and organizations throughout Santa Cruz County are coming together to fight hunger by organizing fundraisers, collecting food and volunteering their time through the annual Second Harvest Holiday Food and Fund Drive. These efforts ensure that no neighbor has to face hunger alone. Leading by example, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County (Second Harvest) is pleased to announce that S. Martinelli & Co., makers of premium-quality apple juice for 158 years, is making a $500,000 commitment over the next 10 years to support the Food Bank’s mission to fight hunger and nourish local families. This milestone commitment reflects the power of community partnerships and the lasting impact local businesses can make in addressing hunger.

For Martinelli’s, 2026 marks 30 years of partnering with Second Harvest to fight hunger in the community. Building on three decades of collaboration, the company is extending its commitment for another 10 years, providing support through financial contributions, product donations, employee volunteer hours and fundraising events. The renewed commitment kicks off during Second Harvest’s annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive, the Food Bank’s largest fundraising campaign of the year.

“The number of food-insecure families in Santa Cruz County has reached critical levels,” said Gun Ruder, President and CEO, S. Martinelli & Company. “As we extend our commitment with Second Harvest for 10 more years, we encourage other local businesses to join in our pledge to help our neighbors in need,” Ruder added.

“The challenges facing our community are enormous, and we cannot do this work alone,” said Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. “We are incredibly grateful to Martinelli’s for 30 years of partnership and for leading by example with this extraordinary 10-year commitment. We also want to thank the hundreds of individuals, businesses, organizations and volunteers who are stepping up this holiday season to help ensure our neighbors have access to nutritious food. Every contribution makes a difference, and we invite even more people to join us. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier community, where everyone can thrive.”

About Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County:

Founded in 1972, Second Harvest Food Bank was the first food bank in California and the second in the nation. Its mission is to inspire and support Santa Cruz County to provide nourishment for all community members. Through a network of more than 100 local agencies and programs, Second Harvest serves an average of 75,000 people each month. We recognize our donors, celebrate our volunteers, and are grateful for our partners and staff. Nourishing Today, Building Tomorrow. We are the Food Bank.

About S. Martinelli & Company:

Family-owned and operated S. Martinelli & Company has been producing Gold Medal premium quality sparkling cider and apple juice for more than 155 years in Watsonville, California. Martinelli’s products are made from 100% U.S. grown fresh apples. Its apple-shaped, champagne-style glass bottles are iconic hallmarks of the brand. The company is led by fourth-generation family member and Chairman, John Martinelli.

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