North Coast, CA — In an overwhelming show of generosity, the community dug deep yesterday to help thousands of neighbors in need at the 8^thannual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive, collecting a staggering 30,000 pounds of food and more than $52,000—all in support of the life-changing work of Food for People, Humboldt’s Food Bank.

Senate President Designee Mike McGuire has teamed up with Food For People, KHUM radio and six local high schools for the annual Humboldt Holiday Food Drive for eight years in a row. 

With $52,000 going to Food for People—and donations still coming in—this year’s Food Drive raised 50% more than last year, alongside a whopping 29,650 pounds of food to keep Food for People’s pantry stocked through May. This is an amazing feat and it’s become the largest Food Drive in Humboldt County.

“Just Wow! You are amazing, Humboldt! In a year where Food for People is seeing record demand, neighbors stepped up like never before to help the hungriest,” said Senator McGuire. “We owe huge gratitude to the hard-working high school students of Humboldt County and generous Humboldt neighbors who delivered the biggest haul we’ve ever seen in the history of the Food Drive. Words can’t describe our gratitude. We are sincerely grateful for this outpouring of support and generosity.”

Last year, Food for People distributed over 2 million pounds of food to low-income households in every corner of Humboldt. The need is especially great for thousands of kids. A quarter of those served by Food for People are children who depend on others to have enough to eat. 

In addition to the community donations, majority of the non-perishable food was collected by thousands of dedicated high school students from six local high schools: Ferndale, Fortuna, St. Bernard’s, Eureka, McKinleyville and Arcata.

St. Bernard’s collected the most food this year with an eye-popping 12,683 pounds for Food For People. They will receive the coveted Golden Can Award and a $750 check from Senator McGuire for their efforts to be used towards their next school dance.

McKinleyville High School worked harder than ever to raise $3,060, the most of any school, and will also take home the Golden Can Award and a $750 check from Senator McGuire.

“We have never seen anything like the Humboldt Holiday Food Drive. The outpouring of support is truly amazing and we are so grateful! The food and funds collected during this event will make a tremendous impact on our friends and neighbors experiencing food insecurity and hunger this winter. We are exceptionally grateful to Senator McGuire, his incredible team, our amazing student leaders for their creative, compassionate, and thoughtful leadership to help people in our community experiencing hunger,” said Carly Robbins, Executive Director of Food for People.