Unity Shoppe Awarded Whole Foods Market “Nourishing Our Neighborhoods” Refrigerated Delivery Van

The Unity Shoppe was selected as a recipient of a “Nourishing Our Neighborhoods” refrigerated delivery van. The local nonprofit states this generous donation will significantly enhance Unity Shoppe’s ability to rescue food and deliver essential resources to families and individuals across Santa Barbara County. 

The “Nourishing Our Neighborhoods” program, developed by Whole Foods Market, provides refrigerated vans to nonprofit organizations working on the frontlines of food insecurity. These vehicles are designed to expand local food access and minimize food waste by supporting efficient transport of fresh, nutritious groceries. 

Unity Shoppe depends on vans to pick up inventory from partners including the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, local farms, and grocery stores. This vehicle will also be vital in supporting the Unity Delivers Program, a home-delivery service launched in 2020 to assist low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Through this program, seniors call in and request custom grocery orders that are delivered directly to their doors, year-round, helping ensure no one is left behind due to mobility, isolation, or  transportation barriers. 

Additionally, Unity Shoppe operates a satellite location in Lompoc, where food, essentials, and clothing are transported weekly. The nonprofit states the addition of this refrigerated van will expand their reach and help fill in critical service gaps across North County and beyond. 

“This vehicle is a game-changer for Unity Shoppe,” said Angela Miller-Bevan, Executive  Director/CEO of Unity Shoppe. “It strengthens our logistics, increases our delivery capacity, and enhances our ability to meet people where they are. We are so grateful to  Whole Foods Market for recognizing the importance of dignified food access and stepping  up in such a tangible, transformative way.”

The upcycled 2016 Ford Transit Connect features Unity Shoppe’s logo alongside Whole Foods Market’s branding.

The Unity Shoppe is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide residents of  Santa Barbara County who are facing temporary conditions of poverty, natural disasters, or  health crises with resources like groceries, clothing, and other essentials, all while  reinforcing human dignity and encouraging self-sufficiency and independence. 

For more information about the Unity Shoppe visit unityshoppe.org