Donate Food or Host a Drive

We are accepting food at the following locations and times:

4554 Hollister Ave. Santa Barbara, Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm

490 W. Foster Rd. Santa Maria, Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm 

To host a Food Drive, contact Patsy Aguirre, Community Engagement Coordinator at paguirre@foodbanksbc.org.

Fill out a Food Drive Interest Form

Download our Food Drive Poster: Food Drive Poster

Review our Food Drive Guidelines Here


Food donations make up around 60% of the food we receive and distribute into the community. Some are large scale donations, some are community-based food drives, and some are individual donations – they all make a difference in feeding those in need in our community!

We accept Food Donations of all types, even fresh produce!

The Foodbank distributes foods that encourage health. When donating food, please help provide these most needed items:

Whole Grains

  • Brown or wild rice
  • Whole grain cereals with less than 12g sugar per serving
  • Whole grain breads
  • Whole wheat or brown rice flour, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, or other whole grains
  • Cornmeal
  • Corn or whole wheat tortillas

Animal Proteins

  • Canned, low-sodium soups, stews, chili
  • Canned tuna or salmon

Plant-Based Proteins

  • Peanuts, almonds, or any dry roasted, no salt added nuts or nut butters
  • Dried lentils, beans or peas
  • Canned black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans
  • Low-sodium vegetarian chili
  • Sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds, tahini

Fruits and Vegetables

  • Canned fruit in 100% fruit juice or water
  • 100% fruit or vegetable juice
  • Dried fruit
  • Low-sodium canned vegetables

Fresh Produce

We accept all fresh produce in good condition. If you have fruit- or vegetable-bearing plants and would like them harvested, please learn more about our Backyard Bounty program.

Other Needed Items

  • Coffee/Tea
  • Dried spices
  • Olive or organic canola oils

Annual Food and Funds Drives:

Fill the Foodbank!
This drive-through event supports the Foodbank in our mission to provide nutritious food to thousands of hungry children, seniors, and families during the Holiday season.

Turkey Drive
Donate a bird and help the Foodbank ensure that every family has a nourishing holiday meal.

Stamp Out Hunger
Sponsored by the United States Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers. Leave a bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox and your letter carrier will deliver your donation to the Foodbank. *Temporarily on hold until further notice.*

The End Hunger Games: A Corporate Challenge
The Corporate Challenge is a friendly competition among local companies to give dollars, food, and time to the Foodbank and join the fight against hunger. For more information on how to participate contact Corporate Giving Manager, Jen Sanregret at jsanregret@foodbanksbc.org.

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