At the Foodbank we are not just concerned with keeping people fed today. We are working to create innovative programs that will use good nutrition to ensure the healthy future of our community.

The Feed the Future Program links four vital programs that act as a safety net to ensure 1,000 children in Santa Barbara County receive needed support:

>BackPack Program for Kids - Through the Foodbank’s network of 220 agencies, over 1,000 needy children have been identified, many of whom are homeless or living in transient housing, as not having a reliable food source over the weekends. Every friday, backpacks filled with nutritious meals of ready-to-eat food and fresh fruit are distributed to needy children ages 5 – 12. These children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hunger during the critical stages of development.

>Children at Risk - This program serves as a credit program for Foodbank network agencies that have targeted children's programs.

>Kid Farmer's Markets - These Mobile Farmer's Markets, which deliver seasonal fruits and vegetables on a weekly basis to underserved areas, will have nutrition education components for families and children.

>Nutrition Education - We are working to incorporate elements of nutrition education into all our children's programs to provide them with the tools needed to understand nutrition and healthy food choices.

Throughout the year, we will host different educational and entertaining events to introduce our innovative approach to childhood nutrition.

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Feed the Future Program Sponsors