“We want to recognize and commend restaurants that support our farmers while incentivizing an increase in farm-to-table dining throughout Santa Barbara,” said Sam Edelman, General Manager of SBCFMA. “When restaurants source their products locally, it benefits our community’s sustainability and wellbeing.”
In order to qualify for the program, certified restaurants must demonstrate that 25% or more of their establishments’ total monthly food expenditures come from SBCFMA and other approved local vendors including the Santa Barbara Fish Market and Harvest Santa Barbara. Qualifying, restaurants receive a window decal and framed certificate acknowledging their participation as well as marketing and publicity from SBCFMA.
Developed by LoaCom in conjunction with SBCFMA, the program stimulates the local economy by encouraging consumers to eat at restaurants who source their food from regional farmers. The program also seeks to support our regional food system by creating stronger connections between the farmer, the restaurant and the consumer.
“Through our Farm Friendly Dining certification program, customers can support regional farms, the restaurants who support them, and strengthen our local economy every time they dine out.,” explains program coordinator Abby Wolff. “Whether you’re looking for late night eats at the Blue Owl, farm-to-bar drinks at Anchor or post-yoga juice at the Juice Ranch, there is something for everyone.”
Currently certified establishments include Alchemy Café, Arlington Tavern, Anchor Woodfire Kitchen, Blue Owl, Downey’s Restaurant, Duo Catering, Juice Ranch, Julienne, the Isla Vista Food Co-op Kitchen, the Organic Soup Kitchen, Seagrass, and SOhO Restaurant and Music Venue.
The Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association is a non-profit mutual benefit corporation that was founded in 1983 to provide California farmers with direct access at landmark locations to market their agricultural products directly to the local community. Our Association of 130 grower members, owned and operated by the members and its board of directors, is committed to helping promote local family farmers, and protecting the environment by sustaining and restoring surrounding greenbelt areas. The SBCFMA continues working diligently to bring the freshest and most nutritious produce our rich local agricultural land has to offer for you and your families.
LoaCom is a ‘better world’ consulting agency offering business and organizational development, marketing and public relations, and event management and production services to businesses, non-profits and individuals.
For more information regarding the SBCFMA Farm Friendly Dining Certification, contact program coordinator Abby Wolff at (314) 941-5863 or abby@loacom.com.
To learn more about the program, go here: http://loacom.com/services/santa-barbara-farmers-market-restaurant-certification-program/.
Dining establishments interested in joining the program can participate by contacting info@loacom.com.
Visit http://www.sbfarmersmarket.org or contact (805) 962-5354 for more information about the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers Market Association. Learn more about LoaCom at www.loacom.com.