Santa Ynez Valley People Helping

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 provide nourishment to those in need by acquiring and distributing safe nutritious foods via local agencies and providing education to solve hunger and nutrition problems in Santa Barbara County. During 2009, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distributed 8.7 million pounds of food from two warehouse locations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Partners: In 2009, 155, 000 people in Santa Barbara County were served by Foodbank member agencies. The Foodbank distributes food to over 264 social service programs and agencies, churches and community groups from Carpinteria to Santa Maria. Food Contributors: The Foodbank depends upon community-minded individuals, businesses and corporations for support. The surplus and donated food comes from many sources ; over 400 contributors donated food and other commodities during 2009, 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.