In 2012 Foodbank Collaborates with 302 Community Partners and Provides Direct Programs throughout Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara, CA, December 20, 2012—Through the work of community partners along with Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s own series of programs, last year 11 million pounds of food – which translates into more than 8.5 million meals -, of which fully half was fresh produce, was distributed to those in Santa Barbara County. Foodbank collaborates with over 300 member agencies throughout Santa Barbara County, including top agencies such as: Catholic Charities, Community Action Commission, Salvation Army, Unity Shoppe, Nipomo Food Basket, People Helping People, Casa Esperanza, Pacific Pride Foundation, Santa Ynez Senior Citizens Foundation, Boy’s & Girl’s Clubs countywide, Domestic Violence Solutions, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, Transition House, Girl’s Inc. and many more. For a full list of member agencies, visit www.foodbanksbc.org/memberdistribution.html.
“The Foodbank thanks the community for supporting those in need of nutritious food and resources in our community,” said Erik Talkin, CEO, Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. “In collaboration with our nonprofit partner agencies, we are able to reach a greater number of people who face food insecurity and offer them nutrition, education and tools.”
As Foodbank celebrates its 30th anniversary year, the nonprofit strives to solve the underlying causes of hunger and malnutrition through education about high quality nutrition and healthy lifestyle, as well as provide the resources necessary to maintain these healthy habits. Six Foodbank programs target children along the continuum of development and school ages: Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies; Food Literacy in Preschool; Kid’s Farmers Market; Healthy School Pantry; Pink and Dude Chefs and Nutritional Independence.
Foodbank and partner agencies rely on volunteers throughout the year and the community is encouraged to make 2013 your year to volunteer! There are numerous opportunities to participate.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Foodbank has recently been given a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Only 4% of the charities rated have received at least 5 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Foodbank of Santa Barbara County outperforms most other charities in America.
As the year comes to a close, there is still a need for food and fund donations this holiday season. People can drop off non-perishable food at both the Santa Barbara and the Santa Maria Foodbank warehouses, Mon – Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. For the holiday, the Foodbank will be closed on Monday, December 24th, Tuesday, December 25th and Tuesday, January 1st. You can also participate in a virtual food drive online, which lets people shop and make a donation to the Foodbank. To learn more, please visit www.foodbanksbc.org/holidayfooddrive.html or make a secure online donation at www.foodbanksbc.org/donateonline.html.
About the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
The Foodbank is celebrating 30 years of eliminating hunger and food insecurity by distributing nutritious food, education, and other resources through its own programs and to a network of over 300 member non-profit agencies and programs in Santa Barbara County. In 2011, the Foodbank distributed 11 million pounds of food – translating into more than 8.5 million meals – of which fully half was fresh produce. This served over 102,000 unduplicated people from Carpinteria to Santa Maria, an amazing 1 in 4 people. For the fifth consecutive time, the Foodbank has recently been given a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities. Only 4% of the charities rated have received at least 5 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Foodbank of Santa Barbara County outperforms most other charities in America. More information at www.foodbanksbc.org.