San Mateo High Students Begin Massive Food Drive

San Mateo High School is continuing its annual tradition of conducting one of the biggest food drives in the country.

As part of the Jefferson Public Service Awards "Youth Service Challenge," this year San Mateo High will conduct its food drive to benefit the Samaritan House and Second Harvest Food Bank from Nov. 15 through Dec. 2.

The students’ goal this year will be to collect more than 250,000 pounds of food. 

In 2005, San Mateo High School students collected 372,000 pounds of food during its canned food drive, which set a new school record and surpassed the school’s previous Guinness World Record set in 1999.

“The kids are amazing,” said Sara Catalli, Leadership Teacher and Activities Director at San Mateo High School.

“Many spend long hours in front of grocery stores collecting food from shoppers. They collect literally tons of food in just two weeks with two purposes: to help those in need and to set a good example for others in our community.”

“This year in particular, Samaritan House is anticipating an increase in requests for food assistance due to SNAP funding cuts resulting from sequester reductions,” said Patty Hsiu, Samaritan House Board of Directors President.

“The annual San Mateo High School Food Drive is an extraordinary effort by students to raise money and collect food. The SMHS Bearcat spirit is legendary, and we are thrilled that each year students focus their legendary spirit and energy on this community effort. Samaritan House is extremely grateful for all the planning, dedication, and organization of the students every year!”

Community members who wish to donate may bring their canned food or monetary donations directly to San Mateo High School, located at 506 N. Delaware St., San Mateo, weekdays from 7:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Monetary donations are tax-deductible and checks should be made out to “Samaritan House.” Donations can also be made through the “Virtual Food Drive” at the Second Harvest Website - www.shfb.org/donateonline.

After-school hours and weekends, students will be collecting donations at local supermarkets throughout the Peninsula from San Bruno to Palo Alto.

For more information about ways to donate in-person or online, contact San Mateo High School’s Community Service Commissioners at smhs.communityservice@gmail.com.