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
The following guidelines apply:
We cannot distribute cans without labels.
We cannot accept home-canned goods.
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
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 or Funds Drive
If you would like to collect food donations at your school or business, we would welcome the contribution! If you raise 500lbs or more, we can pick up your donation with a Foodbank truck. You can pick up a Foodbank-branded barrel from our warehouse to help tell people about your drive! If your drive is under 500lbs we ask that you deliver it one of our warehosue locations if you are able. Our Santa Barbara and Santa Maria warehouses are open every week day 7am – 3pm and our team would welcome your food drive collection during business hours.
We’re also happy to help you plan and coordinate a fundraiser!
If you have questions about how to host a Food Drive or what to ask for, contact us!
Download our Food Drive Poster: Food Drive Poster
Annual Food and Funds Drives:
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive (May and November)
This drive is 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.
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.
Thank you to our 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!
