FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 10, 2023
SOUTH32’S HERMOSA PROJECT PARTNERS WITH EAST SANTA CRUZ COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK, INC. TO OPEN NEW LOCATION
South32’s Hermosa Project recently assisted East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank in
moving to a new location in the former Tree of Life Center, located east of Patagonia.
South32 worked with a local contractor, Quality Care Construction, over the course of several
months to renovate the unique and storied space. Previously, East Santa Cruz County
Community Food Bank worked out of multiple locations, most recently operating from a small
space in a local church. The new food bank location offers a bright and welcoming environment
with permanent office space and a proper warehouse, where food can be received and
packaged for distribution to families in need.
“The process of defining our wants and needs in a new food bank took months but it became
apparent that South32 was committed to creating a place for the food bank,” said Jim
Staudacher, President of the East Santa Cruz Community Food Bank. “The result of this
collaboration, as well as the support of the community and the hard work of our volunteers
resulted in our moving into the new food bank.”
East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank serves local community members with both
supplemental and emergency food resources. After helping with move-in, South32 proudly
handed over keys to food bank employees and will be leasing it to this critical nonprofit for $1
per year.
The food bank is now located at 772 Harshaw Road in Patagonia and is open on the second
Saturday of every month from 8:30AM – 10:30AM, with Monday vegetable distribution at the
Senior Center from 10:30AM – 11:30AM.
ENDS
Follow East Santa Cruz County Community Food Bank on Facebook.
About the South32 Hermosa Project
Located in a historic mining district in the Patagonia Mountains of Southern Arizona, South32’s
Hermosa Project is currently the only advanced mine development project in the United States
that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—both of
which are essential minerals for powering the nation’s clean energy future. Learn more at
www.south32hermosa.com.
Media Relations
Jenny Fiore-Magaña
T +1 520-485-1300
E Jenny.Fiore@south32.net