Launched in 2006
Mobile Farmers Markets bring food distributions to low-income neighborhoods throughout Santa Barbara County. Anyone is welcome to come to any of these distributions and pick up groceries free of charge; there is no sign-up or registration process necessary.
Mobile Food Pantries distribute nutritional staples like rice, beans, canned goods, bread, protein items and fresh produce, while Mobile Farmers Markets provide only fresh fruits and vegetables.
Click here to find the location nearest you.
Overview
Mobile Farmers Markets are mobile deliveries of fresh, free produce to low-income communities across Santa Barbara County. Mobile Farmers Markets serve to not only provide underserved areas with access to more food but also provide the healthiest and freshest food possible.
Mobile Farmers Markets are set up like a traditional Farmers Market, with displays of fresh fruit and vegetables available for clients to select. Thousands of pounds of fresh produce are made available to underserved neighborhoods throughout Santa Barbara County each week through eight Mobile Farmers Markets sites. Along with fresh produce, our Mobile Farmers Markets also provide nutrition education on seasonal produce, including how to prepare it and its health benefits.
Our Mobile Farmers Markets have built communities of people. They are a place to provide not only food but also recipe sharing, community contribution (through volunteering and program leadership) and networking amongst neighbors.
Who is Served
Anyone in need of food is welcome to receive fresh, free produce at our Mobile Farmers Market distributions. We strive to serve neighborhoods where few existing food distributions are located.
Role in Foodbank’s sequence/continuum of Programs
Part of Produce Initiative
Program Impact
The Mobile Farmers Market Provides over 42,000 lbs of fresh produce a month to 10 underserved areas of the County.
The Mobile Farmers Market increases client access to fresh and healthy foods and nutrition education, directly impacting over 11,000 clients each year.
Program Partners
- City of Santa Barbara Parks & Rec. Community Centers
- St. Joseph’s Church
- Carpinteria Unified School District, Main Family Resource Center
- People Helping People
- Peoples’ Self Help Housing
Opportunities to Get Involved
- Volunteer at your local Mobile Farmers Market and assist in distributing food and nutrition education
- Use your knowledge of Nutrition to assist our Program Management team with building the program, expanding nutrition education resources and developing healthy eating materials
- Donate produce to the Mobile Farmers Market Program or sponsors a site financially
