WHAT IS A FOOD BANK

A food bank is a non-profit organization working to eliminate hunger by providing food, education and other resources to a network of hunger-relief charities and their communities.

ABOUT US
The mission of the Foodbank is to feed hungry people by obtaining surplus food and distributing it to member agencies who serve a wide spectrum of individuals and families. During 2007, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed 6.5 million pounds of food from two warehouse locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

Partners: In 2007, over 100,000 people in Santa Barbara County were served by Foodbank member agencies. The Foodbank distributes food to over 220 social service programs and agencies, churches and community groups from Carpinteria to Santa Maria.

Food Donors: The Foodbank depends upon community-minded individuals, businesses and corporations for support. The surplus and donated food comes from many sources; over 400 donors contributed food and other commodities during 2007, in addition to the thousands of pounds of food collected through local food drives.

Locally, food items such as bread, produce, dairy and deli items are donated daily by retail stores. Local growers and packers donate fresh fruit and vegetables. Individuals, businesses, and community groups, contribute through food drives.

Throughout the State, food banks share donations and trade for items they cannot obtain in their area. Surplus food and other items collected by store chains are transported to the Foodbank warehouses, sorted by volunteers, and distributed to member agencies.

Click Here to See How a Foodbank Works