Over the last year the momentum for locally grown skateboard charity Grind Out Hunger has been accelerated considerably. What has started out as an opportunity to get local school children involved in raising awareness of childhood hunger has began to take on a life of its own. Grind Out Hunger was founded in 2003 with the guidance of Second Harvest Food Bank and the goal was to simply improve the Holiday Food Drive and its relationship with the kids at their schools. Grind Out Hunger exists on a platform of live speaking engagements in the schools spreading altruism, whichever elementary, middle or high school that raises the most pounds of food per student will win gift certificates to Santa Cruz Skate Shop (Skateworks is now on board for the 2010-2011 season!!) and a Grind Out Hunger skateboard trophy designed by legendary artist Jimbo Phillips.
Over 50 skateboards sold last year at $100 with 100% of proceeds going to Second Harvest Food Bank. Goodtimes recognized the charity as Hunger Fighter of the Year 2009, The NEXTies gave a nod as most inspirational business in 2010, Major League Baseball and People Magazine All Stars Among Us recently recognized Grind Out Hunger as a charity that was going above and beyond its normal reach to the youth. With all of this press it reached C3TV Skateboard Radio in Atlanta where they created a skate event on June 26th in Georgia to provide food for children (Atlanta Community Food Bank services 1.8 million kids). Green Banana Skateboards picks it up in New Jersey and does a food drive, motivated by the skaters. The first year 2003 Grind Out Hunger managed to collect 4000 pounds of food, fast forward to 2009 and the raise was over 120,000 pounds! There are exciting things going on for 2010-11 Grind Out Hunger. The Santa Cruz County Fair is on the radar to hold an event, Skateworks has agreed to come on board as a shop sponsor and provide prizes, Jimbo Phillips is currently creating the next skateboard masterpiece. Grind Out Hunger school campaign gets kicked off September 15th and ends December 5th; they are looking for school ambassadors to help drive this year
