Guest Perspective: When Business Meets Community: Ending Hunger Together

"Silicon Valley is known worldwide for innovation, talent and economic strength. It is a region where bold ideas take shape and industries are born. Yet it is also a region where far too many of our neighbors struggle to meet their most basic needs.

Despite record corporate success, the soaring cost of living in our area means thousands of working families, seniors and students continue to face food insecurity. Hunger exists in every ZIP code across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, affecting people we interact with every day — child care providers, retail employees, ride-hailing drivers and college students balancing full course loads with part-time jobs.

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley distributes nutritious food to nearly 500,000 people every month. It is a staggering number, but it reflects the economic reality of living in one of the most expensive regions in the country. Rent, health care, transportation and child care costs often leave little left for groceries, even for those working full time in multiple jobs.

The good news is that our region is also home to one of the most engaged and compassionate business communities anywhere. From large employers to small local firms, companies here understand that their success is tied to the health and stability of the people who live and work alongside them."