Foodbank of Santa Barbara County | Transforming Hunger into Health

Food distribution at Franklin Center helping community members

About Us

Founded in 1982, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has been a cornerstone of our community's fight against hunger for over four decades. We believe that access to nutritious food is a fundamental right, and we work tirelessly to ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to transform hunger into health. We do this by distributing fresh, nutritious food through a network of over 50 partner agencies, while also providing nutrition education and support programs for families, children, seniors, and agricultural workers throughout Santa Barbara County.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are committed to transparency, efficiency, and maximizing the impact of every donation we receive.

Founded

1982

EIN

77-0169214

Partner Sites

50+

Annual Income

$28.8M+

Our Impact

Together with our partners and community, we're making a real difference in the fight against hunger in Santa Barbara County.

50+

Distribution Sites

300K+

People Served Annually

10M+

Pounds of Food Distributed

40+

Years of Service

Food Distribution

We operate a sophisticated distribution network that moves millions of pounds of food annually from donors to families in need. Our warehouse and logistics operations ensure fresh produce and nutritious items reach our 50+ partner locations efficiently and safely.

Nutrition Education

We believe that food is medicine. Our nutrition education programs teach families how to prepare healthy meals, make the most of fresh produce, and develop lasting healthy eating habits. From cooking classes to grocery store tours, we empower our community with knowledge.

Food as Medicine

Our innovative Food as Medicine program partners with healthcare providers to prescribe healthy food as part of treatment plans. This evidence-based approach addresses diet-related health conditions and improves outcomes for patients with diabetes, hypertension, and other chronic conditions.

Agricultural Worker Support

As an agricultural community, Santa Barbara County relies on farmworkers who often face food insecurity themselves. We provide dedicated support to agricultural workers and their families, ensuring those who feed our community are themselves nourished.

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our community members across all age groups.

Healthy School Pantry

Our school-based program provides nutritious food to students and their families, ensuring children have access to healthy meals even when school is not in session.

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Programs for Seniors

Specialized food distribution and nutrition programs for older adults, including home delivery for those with mobility challenges and congregate dining sites.

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Farm to Family

Connecting local farmers with families in need, this program rescues fresh produce that would otherwise go to waste and distributes it to those who need it most.

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Nutrition Education

Cooking classes, healthy eating workshops, and grocery store tours that empower families to make nutritious choices on a budget.

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Food as Medicine

Healthcare partnerships that prescribe healthy food as part of treatment for chronic conditions, improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

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Agricultural Worker Support

Dedicated food assistance and support services for the agricultural workers who are essential to our local economy and food system.

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Get Help — Find Food

If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, we're here to help. Our network of distribution sites throughout Santa Barbara County provides free, nutritious food to anyone in need, no questions asked.

1

Find a distribution site near you — we have over 50 locations throughout Santa Barbara County
2

Check the distribution schedule — each site has specific days and hours
3

Visit the site — bring bags if possible, and receive free, nutritious food
4

No ID or proof of income required — we're here to help everyone

Call (805) 967-5741 Email Us

Community members receiving food assistance

Ways to Help

There are many ways to support our mission to end hunger in Santa Barbara County. Every contribution makes a difference.

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Donate

Your tax-deductible donation helps us purchase and distribute food to families in need. Every $1 donated provides 4 meals. As a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN: 77-0169214), all donations are tax-deductible.

Donate Now

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Volunteer

Give the gift of time. Volunteers help sort food, pack boxes, assist at distributions, and support our operations. Individual and group opportunities available.

Sign Up

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Partner

Corporate partnerships and sponsorships help us expand our reach. Host a food drive, become a sponsor, or explore workplace giving programs.

Partner With Us

Bank of America grant partnership announcement

Corporate Partnerships

We're proud to partner with businesses and organizations throughout Santa Barbara County and beyond. From Bank of America to local small businesses, our corporate partners play a vital role in our mission. Partnership opportunities include financial sponsorship, employee volunteer programs, food drives, and in-kind donations.

Become a Partner