Donate Food or Host a Drive

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)

Rice Elementary School Food Drive – November 8-19
700 Vickie Ave, Santa Maria

Waypoint Church Drive-Thru Food Drive  – Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Waypoint Church hosts a drive-thru food drive every 3rd Sunday from 3-5pm at 3942 La Colina Rd., Santa Barbara. Come drop off canned goods and non-perishable food safely and contact-free. 

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 

Share