DONATE FOOD

Food donations make up around 60% of the food we receive and distribute into the community. Some are large scale donations, some are community based food drives, and some are individual donations – they all make a difference in feeding those in need in our community!

Drop off Donations at the Warehouse

We accept Food Donations of all types, even fresh produce!

The Foodbank distributes foods that encourage health. When donating food, please help provide these most needed items:

Whole Grains:

  • Brown or wild rice
  • Whole grain cereals with less than 12g sugar per serving
  • Whole grain breads
  • Whole wheat or brown rice flourQuinoa, buckwheat, barley, or other whole grains
  • Cornmeal
  • Corn or whole wheat tortillas

Animal Proteins:

  • Canned, low-sodium soups, stews, chili
  • Canned tuna or salmon

Fruits and vegetables:

  • All fresh produce
  • Canned fruit in 100% fruit juice or water
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Dried fruit
  • Low-sodium canned vegetables

Vegetarian Proteins

  • Peanuts, almonds, or any dry roasted, no salt added nuts or nut butters
  • Dried lentils, beans or peas
  • Canned black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans
  • Low-sodium vegetarian chili
  • Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds, tahini

Other Nutritious Items:

  • Coffee/Tea
  • Dried spices
  • Olive or organic canola oils

The following guidelines apply:

  • We cannot accept home canned products.
  • We cannot distribute cans without labels.
  • We cannot distribute opened products.
  • We do not accept candy and soda. The Foodbank is committed to distributing healthy, nutritious food.
  • Please donate retail sized items.
  • Foods must be in original packaging.
  • We cannot accept pet food.
  • Please do not donate products with expiration dates that have expired. The Foodbank has to check every item and then discard those that can not be distributed.

Download our Foods2Encourage Poster: Foods2Encourage Poster

Download our Food Drive Poster: Food Drive Poster

Food donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

Santa Barbara Warehouse:
4554 Hollister Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
Mon – Fri, 7 am – 3:30 pm

Santa Maria Warehouse:
490 W. Foster Road
Santa Maria, CA 93455
Mon – Fri, 7 am – 3:30 pm

Host a Food Drive

If you would like to collect food donations at your school or business, we would welcome the contribution. As part of your drive, we encourage you to drop the donation off at our facilities. Unfortunately we have limited resources to deliver barrels or pick up food donations, so our trucks are reserved for picking up and dropping off donations of 200 lbs or more. Our Santa Barbara and Santa Maria warehouses are open every week day 7am – 3:30pm and our team would welcome your food drive collection during business hours.

If you have questions about how to host a Food Drive or what to ask for, contact us!

South County (Santa Barbara Area) Food & Funds Drive – contact Volunteer Services

North County (Santa Maria Area) Food & Funds Drive – contact Lori Bailey

 

Have produce to donate? Need help harvesting?

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Contact our Backyard Bounty program – backyardbounty@foodbanksbc.org

 

MAJOR FOOD & PRODUCE DONORS

Thank you for considering the Foodbank for your food donation. Most of our donations come from the food industry; from farmers and retailers to major food manufacturers. The Foodbank ensures that your food donation reaches people in need. Reduce waste and capture tax benefits. Find out more today!

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FOOD AND FUNDS DRIVES:

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (May 13, 2017 and Santa Barbara, November 2017)
This drive is sponsored by the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers. On May 14th leave a bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox and your letter carrier will deliver your donation to the Foodbank.

Scouting for Food (Spring)
This is a national one-day food drive conducted by the Boy Scouts of America. Look for your door hanger in and be sure to leave out a bag of groceries on the designated Saturday. Local Boy Scouts will collect food donations and bring them to the Foodbank.

Food from the Bar (July)
Hosted by Santa Barbara Women Lawyers, Food from the Bar brings together the legal community to end summer hunger for children in our community.

Thanksgiving (November) and Holiday Drives (December)
The Foodbank works to provide nutritious food to thousands of hungry children, seniors and families during the 2016 holiday season.

The End Hunger Games: A Corporate Challenge (November and December)
The Corporate Challenge is a friendly competition among local companies to give dollars, food, and time to the Foodbank and join the fight against hunger. Businesses of all sizes are welcome to participate. The Corporate Challenge provides a hands-on, corporate citizenship opportunity that encourages employee engagement. 

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