Food Bank of Santa Barbara County
Ending hunger in Santa Barbara County
We are ending hunger and transforming the health of Santa Barbara County through good nutrition. We serve the community as a leader and expert in improving the nutritional health of our county through increased food security.
WHAT IS A FOOD BANK
A food bank is a non-profit organization working to eliminate hunger by providing food, education and other resources to a network of hunger-relief charities and their communities.
Our Mission
The mission of the Foodbank is to provide nourishment to those in need by acquiring and distributing safe nutritious foods via local agencies and providing education to solve hunger and nutrition problems in Santa Barbara County. During 2012, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed 11 million pounds of food from two warehouse locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.
Our Partners
In 2012, 102,000 unduplicated individuals were served by Foodbank member agencies. The Foodbank distributes food to over 300 social service programs and agencies, churches and community groups from Carpinteria to Santa Maria.
Our Food Contributors
The Foodbank depends upon community-minded individuals, businesses and corporations for support. The surplus and donated food comes from many sources; over 500 contributors donated food and other commodities during 2012, in addition to the thousands of pounds of food collected through local food drives.
Locally, food items such as bread, produce, dairy and deli items are donated daily by retail stores. Local growers and packers donate fresh fruit and vegetables. Individuals, businesses, and community groups, contribute through food drives.
Throughout the State, food banks share donations and trade for items they cannot obtain in their area. Surplus food and other items collected by store chains are transported to the Foodbank warehouses, sorted by volunteers, and distributed to member agencies.