Anonymous
Source: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Launches Food Distributions to Fill Unmet Need in Community
Two additional food distribution sites will provide access on Santa Barbara’s east and west sides until Unity Shoppe resumes full capacity.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is working with community partners to ensure residents have enough food to eat while regular supplemental food resources are limited. Beginning today, Monday, September 23, the Foodbank will support two additional food distribution sites on the lower east and west sides of Santa Barbara.
- Westside Neighborhood Center
423 W. Victoria Street / Monday, Wednesday, Friday / 12:30-2:30 pm
- Catholic Charities
609 E. Haley Street / Monday – Friday / 11:30am – 1:30pm
Each distribution will offer fresh produce and shelf-stable groceries and will be a “choice pantry,” which means that attendees will be able to choose the foods that they need and can use, rather than receiving a pre-packed bag or box of items. No paperwork is required and everyone in the community is welcome to attend.
“Any time an unexpected need for food arises in the community — whether due to disaster, government shutdown or any other disruption in food access — the Foodbank works to fill the gap as quickly as possible,” noted Foodbank director of operations Paul Wilkins. “Our primary mission is to ensure the nutritional health of the community.”
The Foodbank provided over 180,000 pounds of fresh produce and nutritious groceries in the last year to their community partner Unity Shoppe for distribution to that agency’s clients. The Foodbank will continue to provide food for whatever volunteer-based distribution Unity Shoppe maintains until they resume service to the community.
About the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is transforming health by eliminating hunger and food insecurity through good nutrition and food literacy. The Foodbank provides nourishment and education through a network of more than 300 distribution programs operated by the Foodbank, its network of partner agencies, and volunteers. In Santa Barbara County, one in four people receive food support from the Foodbank; over 190,000 unduplicated people of whom 40% are children. Last year, the Foodbank distributed 10 million pounds of food–nearly half of which was fresh produce. For more information, visit www.foodbanksbc.org.
