Santa Cruz Warriors and Second Harvest Score Big Against Hunger

The basketball team and local food bank celebrate millions of meals raised for the community.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:49am

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The Santa Cruz Warriors and Second Harvest Food Bank have teamed up for the 'Swishes for Dishes' program, where the basketball team donates 10 meals for every point scored. This year's holiday food drive surpassed its goal of 5.5 million meals, reaching over 8.6 million healthy meals for local residents in need. The Warriors are also hosting several community events, including Surfers Night, Valkyries Night, and Fan Appreciation Night, to engage with fans and the Santa Cruz community.

Why it matters

The partnership between the Santa Cruz Warriors and Second Harvest Food Bank highlights the team's commitment to addressing food insecurity in the local community. As the G-League team of the Golden State Warriors, the Santa Cruz club is using its platform to drive awareness and support for the critical work of the food bank, which provides meals and resources to families facing economic hardship.

The details

Through the 'Swishes for Dishes' program, the Santa Cruz Warriors donate 10 meals to Second Harvest Food Bank for every point they score during the season. This year, the team's efforts, combined with the community's generosity during the holiday food drive, resulted in over 8.6 million healthy meals being raised - far exceeding the initial goal of 5.5 million. The Santa Cruz Warriors are also engaging fans through special themed nights, including Surfers Night, Valkyries Night, and Fan Appreciation Night, to celebrate the team's connection to the local community.

  • The 2025 Holiday Food & Fund Drive was tallied in early 2026.
  • The Santa Cruz Warriors' Surfers Night is scheduled for March 21, 2026.
  • The Santa Cruz Warriors' Valkyries Night is scheduled for March 27, 2026.
  • The Santa Cruz Warriors' Fan Appreciation Night is scheduled for March 28, 2026.

The players

Second Harvest Food Bank

A local food bank that partners with the Santa Cruz Warriors to provide meals to families in need.

Chris Murphy

The president of the Santa Cruz Warriors, who co-chaired the 2025 Holiday Food & Fund Drive.

Erica Padilla-Chavez

The CEO of Second Harvest Food Bank, who spoke at the organization's annual awards banquet.

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What they’re saying

“Surpassing our goal isn't just a milestone—it's a triumph for the people who rely on us and a testament to our community's generosity. At a time when uncertainty is affecting so many families, our community chose to act. Every meal raised represents hope, stability, and dignity for our neighbors.”

— Erica Padilla-Chavez, CEO, Second Harvest Food Bank

What’s next

The Santa Cruz Warriors will continue their partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank throughout the remainder of the season, with the team donating meals for every point scored.

The takeaway

The successful collaboration between the Santa Cruz Warriors and Second Harvest Food Bank demonstrates the power of community partnerships in addressing local issues like food insecurity. By leveraging the team's platform and the generosity of local residents, the organizations were able to provide millions of meals to those in need, making a significant impact on the lives of families in the Santa Cruz area.