Santa Ynez Valley Foundation Awards Grants to Strengthen Food Security

The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is making a meaningful impact by supporting local nonprofits working to combat food insecurity. In its latest grant cycle, the Foundation awarded grants to eight organizations dedicated to ensuring residents in the Santa Ynez Valley and Los Alamos have reliable access to nutritious food.

To further address this critical need, the Foundation also provided one-time $5,000 supplemental grants to five nonprofits, reinforcing its commitment to food security with grants totaling $80,000 to strengthen the vital work happening across the community.

Among the grant recipients was the Bethania Food Distribution Program, which received both a grant and supplemental funding. “This entirely volunteer-run effort serves hundreds of local households each week, providing essential food supplies, including specialized nutrition for vulnerable infants and seniors,” said Foundation Executive Director Esther Jacobsen Bates. “Their heartfelt work depends on many hands, precise coordination, and strong partnerships with organizations like Veggie Rescue and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.”

Additional organizations receiving both grants and supplemental funding include: Atterdag at Home, supporting Meals on Wheels for low-income, homebound seniors; People Helping People, facilitating food distribution, grocery assistance, and meal delivery; Santa Ynez Valley Community Outreach, offering meals to low-income seniors and Veterans; and Veggie Rescue, focusing on food rescue and delivery.

Grants were also awarded to Feed the Valley, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Rona Barrett Foundation, further expanding regional efforts to combat food insecurity.

“The Santa Ynez Valley Foundation is proud to support these organizations and their vital work,” said Chris Urquidez, president of the Foundation’s board of directors. “Ensuring that individuals and families have access to nutritious food is fundamental to the health and well-being of our community.”

With a mission to strengthen the community through strategic grant-making, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation partners with nonprofits, community leaders, and grassroots initiatives to create lasting impact. Grants are awarded in four cycles each year, with the upcoming cycle focused on education and youth development. Online applications for the Youth and Education grant cycle are open now through April 1.

Beyond grant programs, the Foundation also administers a robust College Scholarship Program, empowering students to pursue higher education. Through these initiatives, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation continues to invest in the community’s future, fostering growth, opportunity, and long-term impact.

For more information about the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation and its programs, visit www.syValleyFoundation.org.