The Foodbank is the primary provider of food in case of emergency in our region. We work with a strong network of government, health, school and private partners to ensure that everyone affected has access to fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy groceries, nutritious snacks and clean drinking water.
The Foodbank has identified and are serving the following populations:
- Evacuees at the Red Cross Shelter at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC);
- Those living or sheltering on Santa Barbara’s east and west sides and in Carpinteria, many of whom are experiencing loss of work/income since the Montecito flood, and who already had been similarly impacted by the Thomas fire;
- 400 Montecito Union School students and families while instruction is relocated to SBCC;
- First responders at Earl Warren Showgrounds; and
- The community as a whole via the Santa Barbara County Local Assistance Center
We will continue to meet nutrition needs as recovery from the Montecito Flood and Thomas Fire evolves. Here’s how you can help:
DONATE
At the Foodbank, $1 = 8 meals. How? Volume purchase, grocery rescue, grower and retailer donations, gleaning local orchards and private gardens, and a national and statewide network of foodbanks significantly lowers costs. Your monetary donation goes the furthest toward meeting evolving needs.
Donate online or donate by phone Monday through Friday (8am-5pm) at 805-967-5741 x101
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer opportunities include food sorting and bagging, staffing distribution sites, holding down the fort at the Local Assistance Center, gleaning fresh fruit and vegetables from local orchards and gardens, even writing notes of care and support to those receiving food!
Find opportunities and register to volunteer at www.foodbanksbc.org. For more information, contact Director of Community Engagement Rachael Quisel or call (805)403-2471
General questions?
Contact Marketing and Communications Manager Judith Smith-Meyer at (805) 967-5741 x104
WHERE & WHEN TO GET HELP
EMERGENCY FOOD DISTRIBUTION SITES
Fresh produce and healthy groceries for those displaced from their homes or facing economic dislocation resulting from lost income/work after the Montecito Flood. No paperwork required.
- St. Joseph Church
In collaboration with Catholic Charities and our sister Feeding America foodbank, Food Share, Inc. of Ventura County, we’re providing food to Carpinteria residents and evacuees.
Wed-Fri, January 17-19 / 10am – 3pm
1532 Linden Avenue Carpinteria, 93013 - Westside Community Center
Wed, January 17 / 10am – 2pm
423 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara, 93101 - Harding University Partnership School
Thurs & Fri, January 18 & 19 / 2:30-4:30pm
1625 Robbins Street, Santa Barbara, 93101 - Franklin Community Center
Fresh fruits & veggies only
Every Thursday / 1 pm
1136 East Montecito Street, Santa Barbara, 93103 - Santa Barbara County Local Assistance Center
Mon-Fri, January 17 – February 3 / 11am – 6:30pm
Saturdays, January 20 & 27, February 3 / 10am – 2pm
Calvary Chapel, 1 North Calle Cesar Chavez, #21, Santa Barbara, 93103 - Santa Barbara City College
Montecito Union School has relocated instruction for most of its 400 students to SBCC. An after-school farm stand with fresh produce will be available for MUS students and families.
Fri, January 19 - Food for First Responders
Healthy snacks for first responders delivered daily to Earl Warren Showgrounds
