We are accepting food at the following locations and times:
4554 Hollister Ave., Monday – Friday, 8am – 3pm
490 W. Foster Rd., Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm
To host a Food Drive contact our Community Engagement Coordinator – Jordan Jenkins jjenkins@foodbanksbc.org (805) 319-9096
Download our Food Drive Poster: Food Drive Poster
Review our Food Drive Guidelines Here.
Donate Now Volunteer or Give Masks Start A Fundraiser
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!
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 flour, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, or other whole grains
- Cornmeal
- Corn or whole wheat tortillas
Animal Proteins
- Canned, low-sodium soups, stews, chili
- Canned tuna or salmon
Plant-Based 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
Fruits and Vegetables
- Canned fruit in 100% fruit juice or water
- 100% fruit or vegetable juice
- Dried fruit
- Low-sodium canned vegetables
Fresh Produce
We accept all fresh produce in good condition. If you have fruit- or vegetable-bearing plants and would like them harvested, please learn more about our Backyard Bounty program.
Other Needed Items
- Coffee/Tea
- Dried spices
- Olive or organic canola oils
Upcoming Food Drives (Hosted by Partners)
Festival of Lights Food Drive – December 4-6
Festival of Lights runs Friday Dec 4 3-8pm Saturday Dec 5 9am-9pm and Sunday Dec 6 5-9pm at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
La Cumbre Plaza Food Drive – November 21
Drive-Thru Food Drive hosted by La Cumbre Plaza, 10am-2pm in parking lot near Bristol Farms.
Bond Fitness Food Drive – November 21
Drive-Thru Food Drive hosted by Bond Fitness, 8am-12pm at the Cabrillo Bath House parking lot.
Annual Food and Funds Drives:
Fill the Foodbank! – November
This drive-through event supports the Foodbank in our mission to provide nutritious food to thousands of hungry children, seniors, and families during the Holiday season.
Turkey Drive – November
Donate a bird and help the Foodbank ensure that every family has a nourishing holiday meal.
Stamp Out Hunger – May, November
Sponsored by the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Leave a bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox and your letter carrier will deliver your donation to the Foodbank. *Cancelled this year due to COVID*
The End Hunger Games: A Corporate Challenge – November
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. For more information on how to participate contact Senior Development Manager Nathalie Keller, nkeller@foodbanksbc.org
