News – Santa Barbara County Food Action Network

The Covid19 pandemic has dramatically impacted our local foodshed, prompting our community – and communities around the world – to shift our daily patterns, including how we shop and eat. The disruption has been particularly visible in the empty grocery store shelves and shuttered restaurant windows. Here’s what we know: a local, diversified and equitable food system can be one of our best defenses in moments of community crisis.

COVID-19 Response

Food Forest Landscaping

July 29, 2020

An article from Santa Barbara Independent, written by Brad Smith, considers how healthy lives can be achieved through food security, social justice, and climate adaptation. The article sheds light on…

How Black Communities Are Bridging the Food Access Gap

July 29, 2020

Addressing systemic racism in U.S. agriculture has to begin with the USDA.

Black Lives Matter in the Food System

July 29, 2020

During the first half of 2020, the disproportionate spread of COVID-19 in communities of color and the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police have drawn into…

Battered Food-Service Industry in Santa Barbara in Battle to Survive COVID-19 Pandemic

July 28, 2020

Brooke Holland of Noozhawk writes about the difficulties the local Food-Service industry has had to face due to the pandemic. Local business owners of bars, restaurants, and breweries share details…

The pandemic has hit restaurants hard, but experts say the ‘ghost food hall’ concept might save them

July 28, 2020

An article written by Marisa Iati explores how the 'ghost hall' concept might be the answer. The concept allows for multiple restaurants/chefs to operate in one huge kitchen to deliver…

An Open Letter from BIPOC Leaders in Food & Agriculture to Food Systems Funders

July 28, 2020

An open letter was written to Food System Funders to move towards regenerative practices and to meet the moment for change. This letter was written by amazing BIPOC leaders in…

Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

July 9, 2020

The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) offers direct assistance to farmers and ranchers in support for losses related to the pandemic. The USDA, through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), will…

Supporting Farmers and Food Systems during Covid19

July 7, 2020

Based on our long trajectory supporting the organic farming community with valuable information and skills, we will be identifying new ways to provide support at this time. This will include sharing relevant information with you on an on-going basis through our website, newsletter, and social media; supporting our partners; and holding webinars throughout the spring. To keep you updated, we have created this webpage to keep you updated regularly as new information about COVID-19 and possible impacts to farming and food systems becomes available.

Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

May 30, 2020

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced details of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which will provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to deliver relief to America’s farmers and ranchers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. In addition to this direct support to farmers and ranchers, USDA’s Farmers to Families Food Box program is partnering with regional and local distributors, whose workforces have been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat and deliver boxes to Americans in need

USDA Announces Details of Direct Assistance to Farmers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program Farmers and Ranchers to Receive Direct Support for Losses Related to COVID-19

May 26, 2020

Are you a farmer or rancher whose operation has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic? The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program will provide direct relief to producers who faced price declines and additional marketing costs due to COVID-19. USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance program on April 17, 2020. CFAP will use funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, and other USDA existing authorities. This $19 billion immediate relief program includes direct support to agricultural producers as well as the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. CFAP will provide vital financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a five-percent-or-greater price decline or who had losses due to market supply chain disruptions due to COVID-19 and face additional significant market costs. Eligible commodities include:

Farms that are delivering to your door during Covid-19

May 19, 2020

A list of local farms who will deliver produce to your home during Covid29

ACME Hospitality Has Prepared More Than 500 Meals For The Unsheltered Populations Through City Net And New Beginnings Counseling Center. Photo Courtesty ACME Hospitality

Making a Match

May 18, 2020

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council, includes multiple collaborations to support countywide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.The program matches…

Food Waste Resources During The COVID-19 Pandemic

May 15, 2020

While our number one concern is for the health of those affected by COVID-19, ReFED also recognizes that our collective response to this crisis - such as buying food in bulk to guard against potential disruptions in supply chains; the forced closures of schools, restaurants, and other organizations that serve food; and more - is increasing the amount of food waste. And in many cases, the food being wasted could have gone to the most vulnerable among us through recovery and distribution programs.

‘If All the Stores Close, We Need Food’: Community Gardens Adapt to the Pandemic

May 15, 2020

Around the United States, local growing operations are offering fresh produce and socially distanced outdoor time.

Gardening is Important, But Seed Saving is Crucial

May 15, 2020

The U.S. is in the midst of a gardening renaissance. As the coronavirus pandemic prompts big questions about the future of our food system, people everywhere are buying up seeds, pulling up lawns, building raised beds, and flocking to learn from Master Gardeners.

Flour Shortage? Amber Waves of Regional Grains to the Rescue

May 15, 2020

A grain and flour expert enthusiast says the local flour revolution is tastier, healthier, and has created more robust markets.

A family of strawberry growers had big dreams. Then came the pandemic

May 15, 2020

They were picking strawberries, father and son, in the afternoon sunlight of the Oxnard Plain. The men, 62-year-old Javier Carranza and his son Cruz, 43, piled the ripened fruit into cardboard boxes destined for farmers markets. Father on one row, son on another, moving steadily from mound to mound.

Food Security Is Right Here: Sea-to-Table Sales Keep Fishing Business Afloat

May 15, 2020

The pandemic has changed the game for enterprises big and small across the world, and business owners everywhere are trying to adapt. One local fisherman has found a niche to keep his business open and staff employed.

Local farm donates 1,500 pounds of produce to staff at Lompoc Valley Medical Center

May 15, 2020

Some of the workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lompoc were treated to bundles of fresh, locally-grown produce on Friday, courtesy of a local agricultural enterprise.

Coronavirus/Produce Industry Survival Guide Specialty Produce Supplier Babé Farms Put to the Test But Meeting the Challenge

May 15, 2020

The contrast in the story — the best of times, the worst of times — echoes what the produce industry and the broader food industry have been experiencing as retailers struggle to keep up with demand and most restaurants and other foodservice outlets — cruises, theme parks, hotels — are shut down or are trying to stay afloat on take-out and delivery.

#FarmersFeedtheNeed – a coordinated effort to provide food to needy Californians

May 15, 2020

Thank you to California’s farmers, ranchers and farm workers for feeding us and supporting our food banks as they provide nourishment to the people who depend on them.

Unraveling the Kinks in the Local Food Chain to Build and Sustain a Resilient Food System

May 14, 2020

Two of the founding members of the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Erik Talkin, CEO of Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and Sigrid Wright, CEO of the Community Environmental Council — sat down with food writer Leslie Dinaberg to discuss how COVID-19 is sending shock waves through a fragile global food system, and why this is a particularly good time to build a healthy, sustainable and decentralized food system.

Isla Vista Food Co-op Thrives

May 11, 2020

Ongoing Outbreak Fails to Daunt Small Grocery Store

Open for Business Restaurant Directory

May 8, 2020

A list of all restaurants serving take out and delivery from Noozhawk

Santa Barbara County’s Network of Nutrition

May 7, 2020

Multiagency Pandemic Response Feeds Vulnerable, Saves Chefs, and Protects Food Chain

Saving Food, Saving Lives: Santa Barbara County Food Rescue During COVID-19

May 7, 2020

Created by Santa Barbara County Food Rescue in partnership with the Santa Barbara Alliance for Community Transformation (SB ACT), the collaborative matches chefs and caterers who are able to intentionally create prepared meals with agencies that serve seniors, unsheltered populations and others dealing with increased need due to COVID-19.

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue Network Expands to Offer Critical Support to Those In Need

May 7, 2020

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue, a program of the Community Environmental Council (CEC), announces multiple collaborations to support county-wide efforts to feed those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 Response Food Resources and Collaboration Information Hub

May 7, 2020

Santa Barbara County Food Rescue is now compiling and managing a centralized database of food recovery resources. This includes matching chefs and caterers who are able to intentionally create prepared meals with agencies that serve seniors, unsheltered populations and others dealing with increased need due to COVID-19. All organizations supporting charitable food donation, delivery, or distribution during this time are encouraged to share what they are doing and where they need help through this county-wide database.

Women’s Economic Ventures

May 7, 2020

They have a lot of resources and information on their website. For Santa Barbara county and Ventura county business owners needing assistance, please call WEV’s Response Line 805-456-2342 (Spanish 805-908-0096) to leave a message and receive a call-back within one business day.

Community Alliance with Family Farmers

May 7, 2020

The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), has developed a comprehensive webpage clearinghouse with frequently updated resources, news and advocacy information in response to COVID-19 for farmers, farmworkers and agriculture…

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Continues to Expand Response to COVID-19 Crisis

May 6, 2020

“Savings are drying up and even more people are facing food insecurity as the crisis continues. We want everyone to know that we are here to serve the entire community. If anyone needs help finding food safely, that is our main priority.” The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is working hard to ensure our county stays healthy and has enough nutritious food to eat during the COVID-19 situation.

SBA to Make Economic Injury Disaster Loans Available to U.S. Agricultural Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic

May 4, 2020

Agricultural businesses are now eligible for SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and EIDL Advance programs. SBA’s EIDL portal will reopen as a result of funding authorized by Congress through the Paycheck Protection Program and Healthcare Enhancement Act. The legislation provided additional funding for farmers and ranchers and certain other agricultural businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Backyard Baby Chick Boom

May 3, 2020

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Santa Barbara farm owners, Jeremy and Megan Raff of Dare 2 Dream Farms have seen an exponential boom in baby chick sales, as residents throughout the Coast of California rush to buy and raise backyard chickens. Most recently, the farm sold 950 baby chicks in just ten minutes.

Local fisherman selling directly to public throughout coronavirus crisis

May 3, 2020

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — Once COVID-19 swept across the country, it immediately began affecting fishermen in the Santa Barbara Harbor. With restaurants experiencing fewer customers, the demand for local seafood significantly dropped. In order to survive the crisis, longtime local fisherman Stace Cheverez changed his business model.

Food and Agriculture Covid19 Response Funding List

May 1, 2020

Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems Funders (SAFSF) is tracking COVID-19 philanthropic response and recovery funds that focus on the food and agriculture system. This is a working list and funds will continue to be added as members of our network and others share information.

Food Bank Emergency Food distribution sites for northern Santa Barbara County

May 1, 2020

When COVID-19 safety measures took affect, the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County initiated the SAFE (Safe Access to Food For Everyone), Food Net and the SAFE home delivery program for seniors. Seniors can dial 211 for home delivery. For more information, visit foodbanksbc.org A list of northern Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County distribution sites is provided.

Santa Ynez Valley businesses, organizations keep locals fed

May 1, 2020

As part of the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County SAFE Food Net family of food distribution sites, a number of Santa Ynez Valley organizations and businesses are offering food supplies and other household staples to community members in need.

Economic Development Collaborative

May 1, 2020

NO-COST BUSINESS CONSULTING IS AVAILABLE If your business has experienced economic injury or hardship due to the impact of COVID19 you do not have walk alone. EDC SBDC Advisors can assist during this time at no cost to you. Please call 805.409.9159 to schedule an appointment.

Pacific Grown Organics Donates 500 N95 Masks to Health Workers

April 30, 2020

As Santa Barbara County issues an order for community members to wear face masks in public to limit coronavirus, hospital and other health-care workers are still in need of N95 masks. Last week, India Amarina and Collin Dvorak, of locally based Pacific Grown Organics, donated 500 N95 masks to VNA Health of Santa Barbara (formerly Visiting Nurses and Hospice Care) through their nonprofit arm Pacific Grown Impact.

COVID-19: Elks Lodge partners with Santa Barbara County Foodbank to deliver more than 500 food bags to those in need

April 30, 2020

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Teresa Kruchas has been struggling since losing her job during the pandemic. "No unemployment has come through we have no other assistance so this means a whole lot." Kruchas was one of hundreds of families in need who patiently waited in a long line of cars at elks lodge, to receive a bag of food from the Santa Barbara County Foodbank.

Food pantry drive thru helps Santa Barbara City College students during COVID-19

April 29, 2020

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Santa Barbara City College has a food pantry that has found a new way to help during the COVID19 pandemic. The pantry teamed up with Santa Barbara County Foodbank to host a Food Pantry Drive-Thru on Wednesday afternoon.

Stay at home order increasing food insecurities, FoodBank SBC trying to fill in the gap

April 28, 2020

As the stay at home orders continue, there has been an increase in food insecurity in the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara County residents. Without income sources, and many people not getting unemployment benefits and/or stimulus checks yet, places for food donations have been vital to fending off hunger.

Kate Farms Feeding Seniors with Nutritional Shakes

April 27, 2020

Through a $500,000 product donation to Meals on Wheels West, Santa Barbara nutritional formula company Kate Farms will provide more than 100,000 meals to seniors facing food insecurity in California.

Foodbank Pilots Free Restaurant Program For Community Facing Hunger

April 25, 2020

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is piloting a new program designed to provide prepared meals to seniors, while also helping local restaurants. The program, called Chef’s Kitchen, was launched with a trial distribution this week in which the Foodbank delivered 1,000 meals from chefs at Acme Hospitality.

Food Not Bombs: providing meals to homeless in IV during pandemic

April 20, 2020

Food Not Bombs Isla Vista, an organization that provides free home-cooked vegan meals for the homeless, has continued to distribute food during the coronavirus crisis. “When systems fail to provide people with essential goods and services…it is up to community members to take action and fill the voids until those systems are repaired or replaced,” said volunteer Jonathan Dickstein.

Soup Kitchen Donates Food To Local Hospital

April 19, 2020

The Organic Soup Kitchen donated gallons of soup to the medical staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital during the COVID-19 crisis.

World Central Kitchen & Rincon Brewery Food First Responders

April 19, 2020

A big fire service shout-out to World Central Kitchen and Rincon Brewery who have partnered to deliver meals to Santa Barbara City Fire, Carpinteria-Summerland Fire & Santa Barbara County Fire Departments.

Volunteers deliver food to 500 Santa Maria seniors

April 17, 2020

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - 50 volunteers spread out all over Santa Maria on Thursday to deliver desperately needed groceries to 500 seniors. The deliveries included a variety of groceries, oranges and fresh produce. The Food Bank of Santa Barbara County and the Family Services Agency offers this vital service twice a month is Santa Maria to help seniors who are sheltering at home during the COVID-19 crisis.

Coronavirus roundup: Harvest Community Center increases food distributions to meet COVID-19 need

April 17, 2020

The Harvest Community Center in Santa Maria will be increasing its food capacity during its upcoming monthly distributions in order to provide longer-lasting supplies for more families in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Foodbank of Santa Barbara and SLO County working to keep up with high food supply demand

April 16, 2020

As the shelter-at-home order continues, the demand for food supplies is on the rise. The SLO Foodbank recently signed a contract with the county of San Luis Obispo to use emergency funding to purchase $400,000 worth of additional food. Since mid-March, they have provided a quarter million pounds of food to the community.

Driscoll’s donation to Santa Barbara Foodbank came when community needed it most

April 15, 2020

Residents of Santa Barbara County are no strangers to overcoming disasters—but as reflected by statistics from the Foodbank, what the county faces now is unprecedented. The COVID-19 crisis is also extra challenging because it impacts the entire county, making it difficult for the Foodbank to keep up.

Foodbank Implements Disaster Feeding Plan

April 13, 2020

How do you feed an entire county in a disaster situation, especially when it might not be safe to go outside? By November 2019, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County was already equipped to answer that question. “Our mission is to ensure that everybody in the county of Santa Barbara has access to the healthy food they need,” said the organization’s marketing director, Judith Smith-Meyer. “We’re ready, and we have the relationships in place to help us do that.”

Good News: This 17-Year Old’s Nonprofit Is Delivering Food To Boomers In 12 Cities (And He Started 3 Weeks Ago)

April 12, 2020

Like most Americans, when the severity of the coronavirus became evident, 17-year old Danny Goldberg wanted to do “something” but he felt helpless. However, unlike most of us, he quickly acted upon his desire to help and set up a volunteer service in which Zoomers (members of Generation-Z, born between 1995 and 2015) delivered groceries and other necessities to Boomers (members of the Baby Boom generation, born between 1944 and 1964), free of charge.

School May be Closed, But Food Service Continues For Lompoc Kids

April 8, 2020

Lompoc Unified Food Service workers are on the frontlines of ensuring the community's children continue to have access to breakfast and lunch, even with schools closed.

Daniel Goldberg’s Zoomers to Boomers Spreads Across Country

April 7, 2020

It’s been a dizzying three weeks for Daniel Goldberg and the Zoomers to Boomers grocery shopping and delivery service he created to help South Coast seniors sheltered in place and other people isolated at home. While Goldberg and his crew of fellow high school students were hustling to make deliveries, other cities throughout the country were contacting him, inquiring how they can join in.

Essential but Exposed: Farmworkers are risking their lives to feed a nation on lockdown.

April 4, 2020

Every day when Carmelita finishes her shift in the strawberry fields of California’s central coast, she sprays herself down with Lysol, takes off the handkerchief she uses to protect her face, and tucks it in a plastic bag before getting in her car. She’s the sole provider for her two young sons and can’t afford to miss a day on the job. But these days, with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the country, that’s getting much tougher. Carmelita carefully follows the safety precautions recommended by health experts, but that’s especially difficult in the fields. The farm where she works in Oxnard isn’t enforcing safety protocols, the 44-year-old farmworker told Grist. (Carmelita requested that her last name be withheld because of fear of reprisals from her employer.)

Building local food systems and self-sufficiency in response to COVID-19

March 30, 2020

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been. While much has shifted rapidly, the natural world continues to move at the slower pace of fresh green growth and abundance. The recent generous rainfall triggered the first flushes of spring at the Carpinteria Garden Park, a slow unfurling that will provide food, beauty and comfort throughout the growing season.

National Guard troops arrive in Santa Barbara County to support Foodbank operations

March 27, 2020

Paper bags of food were arranged via assembly line at a Foodbank of Santa Barbara County warehouse in Santa Maria Friday by volunteers and members of the National Guard, who arrived to provide support amid a surge in demand for basic provisions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unity Shoppe Seeks Donations For Massive Food Distribution Program

March 24, 2020

Unity Shoppe is offering free food and other essentials to Santa Barbarans who are now unemployed or unable to work due to the spread and impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the Santa Barbara community. To meet the overwhelming need, Unity Shoppe has consolidated its offerings to food distribution alone and now estimates it is serving more than three times the number of families that came in for services just 10 days ago.

Foodbank Launches SAFE Food Net Providing “Essential Services” during California Lockdown

March 24, 2020

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County continues its work to provide enough healthy food to everyone who needs it in Santa Barbara County as the Covid-19 crisis unfolds. The Foodbank’s initiative is called Safe Access to Food for Everyone (SAFE) Food Net.

A Guide to Santa Barbara Local Food During COVID-19

March 18, 2020

Find a guide to local gardens, farms, fisheries, restaurants, and more that are open from Edible Magazine.

Other News

Want to Fight Rising Food Insecurity? Listen to People Who’ve Been Hungry.

July 29, 2020

As families face sudden, chronic food shortages, three researchers share lessons from hundreds of interviews with the food insecure.

Interview: Kids Around the World Photographed Surrounded by Their Weekly Diet

July 29, 2020

The article, written by Jessica Stewart, shares the work of photographer Gregg Segal as he set out to discover the diets of children around the world. Stewart writes "Segal's photographs…

Want to See Food and Land Justice for Black Americans? Support These Groups.

July 29, 2020

Food justice is racial justice. As the nation rises up to protest atrocities against Black people, here are some organizations working to advance Black food sovereignty.

Reckoning with Racial Justice in Farm Country

July 29, 2020

Rural communities and agriculture groups are divided over George Floyd's death and the resulting protests. As some stay silent, others express solidarity or hold rallies in support.

Op-ed: We Can Build a Better Food System Through Mutual Aid

July 29, 2020

Imagine if food producers and movements worked together to secure the basic needs of those fighting for a better world for everyone.

Op-ed: How Urban Agriculture Can Fight Racism in the Food System

July 29, 2020

Growing food in cities offers a powerful way to reclaim communities and change the dynamics so that people of color have wealth and power.

Julián Castro on the Goya Boycott and How to Support Communities of Color

July 29, 2020

The former presidential candidate links COVID-19’s devastation in Black and brown communities with the need for a $15 minimum wage, free school meals, and universal healthcare.

Civil Eats: Food Companies Step Up Funding for Organic Farming Research

July 28, 2020

Article written by Meg Wilcox explores the ways food companies are stepping up to fund organic farming research. Companies including Clif Bar, King Arthur Flour, and others are funding universities…

Meat Giants May Face Billions in Long-Term Carbon Taxes

July 26, 2020

Interesting Read! The article, written Agnieszka de Sousa , shares how meat giants may face carbon taxes and what the pandemic has revealed for the meat industry. Click Link…

California Awarded More Than $3.8 Million To Support The Specialty Crop Industry Through Multi-State Initiatives

May 15, 2020

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is pleased to announce that four projects submitted by California were selected for funding for the 2019 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program (SCMP). The SCMP is a federal grant program offered by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service.

The Rebirth of the Food Sovereignty Movement

May 15, 2020

As a veteran urban farmer, I often get questions from friends and family about best practices for backyard gardening. It wasn’t a surprise when my buddy Martin texted some questions for how to get a vegetable scene started. “Is it OK to start tomatoes outside now? Or better to start indoors?”

Review: Nels Fredrickson’s ‘Itza’s Garden’

May 15, 2020

For the protagonist of Nels Fredrickson’s clever illustrated story, Itza’s Garden, freedom means space to move and breathe, and time for nature to take its course. Itza is a hen trapped in a cage on a factory farm, required to produce three eggs a day or be carted off and rendered into chicken parts. Itza’s world, like our own, is a go-go, never slow down place.

DDT’s toxic legacy could span three generations

May 15, 2020

More than 50 years ago, scientists at the Permanente Foundation Hospital in Oakland started a simple experiment: When a pregnant woman would come in for routine maternal care, they were asked to give a sample of blood, to be frozen for future research. They didn’t know it at the time, but those samples would later be key in understanding the long-term health impacts of the then widely-used pesticide DDT.

Increasing Support For Our Local Food System with the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network

May 15, 2020

SBCFAN Executive Director Shakira Miracle shares about building resilience for now and the future.

Did sea farm debacle sink California aquaculture?

May 14, 2020

Farming shellfish in deep ocean waters is a potentially lucrative industry in California. But environmental concerns, federal and state requirements and a recent failed project could be hard to overcome.

Shakira Miracle, Executive Director - Santa Barbara Food Action Network

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces Shakira Miracle as First Executive Director

May 5, 2020

May 5, 2020, SANTA BARBARA, CA – The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is proud to announce the selection of its first Executive Director, Shakira Miracle. Her hiring…

California Healthy Soils Program Helping Farmers

April 24, 2020

Though humans thrived here for millennia without planting seeds or herding animals, the phenomenal success of California's short-lived agricultural experiment is staggering on a planetary scale, and represents barely over a century of building the highly productive food systems that benefit us all today. The farmers who manage the fields, orchards and vineyards of our Golden State contribute greatly to the common good by providing abundant food from an astonishing variety of crops.

Central Coast farmers’ markets provide affordable produce for Cal Fresh participants

April 18, 2020

Local farmers' markets are helping low-income community members buy fresh fruits and vegetables during this pandemic. Select farmers' markets in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties have been accepting CalFresh benefits, formerly known as "Food Stamps" 2015. Now, those farmers' markets are also participating in the "Market Match Program" where CalFresh participants can earn more money for groceries whenever they shop at farmers' markets.

Lane Farms in Goleta offers customers open-air shopping environment

March 27, 2020

GOLETA, Calif. - Some shoppers that are trying to avoid crowded grocery lines have been turning to Lane Farms for their fresh produce needs. The Lane family has been farming in the Santa Barbara/Goleta area since 1868 and their produce stand at 308 S. Walnut Lane has been operating since 1939.

Foodbank Preparing for Possible Local Impacts of COVID-19 Outbreak: Focus on Nutrition for Families and Seniors

March 12, 2020

Foodbank Preparing for Possible Local Impacts of COVID-19 Outbreak: Focus on Nutrition for Families and Seniors Countywide Disaster Feeding Plan will guide emergency food distribution planning and implementation March 12,…

Cuyama Valley Carrot Growers Get the Stick

March 4, 2020

The Cuyama Valley is the driest agricultural region in the county; the valley floor gets just a little more rain than the Sahara. Yet for the past 75 years, this high desert region has been a mecca for water-intensive farming on an industrial scale — first alfalfa, and now carrots, a $69 million annual crop.

Now more than ever, we should be supporting SLO county’s small organic farms

February 27, 2020

The American disconnect between food and farmer is nothing short of catastrophic. Farming is complicated and grossly underestimated, especially small, organic farming in a state that doesn't seem to support it very well—ask any small farmer about getting their California Certified Organic Foundation Certification.

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Pilots High School “Food Creativity Lab” as Part of Expanding Education Programs

February 13, 2020

Integral to ending hunger, the Foodbank’s children’s nutrition education aims to improve health habits for kids experiencing food insecurity (Santa Barbara, CA) – The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is…

EconAlliance Forum Puts Spotlight on ‘Growing Possibilities’ of Agriculture in Santa Barbara County

February 8, 2020

County, state and federal officials gathered Thursday to showcase Santa Barbara County’s reputation as an agricultural leader and to address issues facing the industry. The program, “Growing Possibilities,” was organized and sponsored by the EconAlliance, a nonprofit alliance that targets industry, innovation and the workforce in northern Santa Barbara County. The event was held at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

Food as Medicine: The Digestion Connection

January 9, 2020

The Digestion Connection: How Digestion Impacts States of Health and Disease Wednesday, February 19 6-8pm Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery 40 E Anapamu Street Join nutrition advocates Vibeke Welland…

Job Announcement: Executive Director, Santa Barbara County Food Action Network

December 24, 2019

JOB SUMMARY Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is searching for an Executive Director to serve as the “central hub” of this emerging and energetic team. This is a…

The SBCC Promise’s Culinary Class

November 7, 2019

The SBCC Promise Program provides the region’s high school graduates with the opportunity to attend for two years, free of charge.

Third Annual Session – Building Our Resilient Food System: Using the Food Action Plan to Create a County-Wide Network

November 5, 2019

#rethinkfood #foodaction #foodjustice #foodsystem #leaf Help us continue to shape a sustainable food future for Santa Barbara County! Join us for the third annual free community listening and activation session…

Edible Campus Program’s Student Farm Opening

November 5, 2019

On October 8th, UCSB’s Edible Campus Program celebrated the opening of the ECP Student Farm. Students, supporters, and community members came together to celebrate the success of this new farm.…

Community Environmental Council Receives Food Rescue Grant and Partners with SBCC and Allan Hancock College to Feed Hungry Students

June 13, 2019

The Community Environmental Council (CEC) received $116,000 from Cal Recycle to feed hungry students at Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) and Allan Hancock College as part of an innovative food rescue program that will also help our region reduce waste and fight climate change.

Film Screening: The Biggest Little Farm

May 8, 2019

A testament to the immense complexity of nature, The Biggest Little Farm follows two dreamers and a dog on an odyssey to bring harmony to both their lives and the…

Good Food for Good

May 8, 2019

Bruce Cleveland and Jefferson Woeste invite you to a fun Sunday dinner benefitting the launch of the new SYV Community Kitchen at St. Mark's-in-the-Valley. Local legend Chef Frank Ostini will be cooking at historic Rancho San Antonio on Sunday, May 19 at 6 pm.

Food Insecurity in Higher Education Public Forum

May 7, 2019

Join the Santa Barbara County community in addressing the food insecurity crisis happening at our own local colleges. Many students face some degree of food insecurity, leading us to question…

Power to the soil!

February 13, 2019

CEC's Food Program, in partnership with the King & King Ranch, the Ventura Resource Conservation District and the UC Cooperative Extension, are putting together a Healthy Soils demonstration project in…

Providing Another Option For Students Facing Food Insecurity, UC Santa Barbara Has Opened A Food Pantry At Sierra Madre Villages.

A Full Plate

January 8, 2019

Providing another option for students facing food insecurity, UC Santa Barbara has opened a food pantry at Sierra Madre Villages.

Dr Sara Goldrick-Rab: Addressing Students’ Basic Needs

November 27, 2018

Join us for an evening with scholar-activist Dr. Sara Goldrick-Rab while she discusses the new economics of colleges and how they have created a crisis of basic needs insecurity on…

Thank you for helping us build the Food Action Plan Network!

November 21, 2018

Last week nearly 75 people attended the Santa Barbara County Food Action Plan (SBCFAP) listening session, where businesses, schools, neighborhoods, and organizations of all types shared and connected with others engaged in making a secure food system for our county.

Carbon Farming Initiative Takes Tentative First Steps in Santa Ynez Valley

November 12, 2018

Article first appeared on Noozhawk On a recent morning in the Santa Ynez Valley, a crowd of people gathered at the Ted Chamberlin Ranch to discuss soil health and so-called…

Environmental and Agricultural Leaders Partner to Host Healthy Soils Field Day & Compost Demonstration

October 25, 2018

Second Annual Event – Building Our Resilient Food System: Cultivating Connections

October 16, 2018

#rethinkfood #foodaction #foodjustice #foodsystem #leaf Help us continue to shape a sustainable food future for Santa Barbara County! Join us on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 from 6 p.m. to 8…

Foodbank of Santa Barbara County Annual Report 2018

October 1, 2018

Thanks for taking the time to read this report! This has been an incredible year of progress for the Foodbank. We had no idea that we would be tested so…

Food First – Fall 2018 Newsletter

September 30, 2018

Full Hearts and Bellies: An SBC Food Rescue Story #rethinkfood

September 26, 2018

CEC’s SBC Food Rescue program has been hard at work since the launch in April 2018, and to date has saved approximately 3,625 pounds of restaurant-quality food from going to the landfill. Instead, this food has gone to feed local community members at charitable nonprofits.

Santa Barbara School District First In US To Axe Processed Meat

September 23, 2018

The Santa Barbara Unified School District (SBUSD) is the first known school district in the US to remove processed meats from its lunch menus. The change - which became official…

Farming for Life to use veggies as low-cost diabetes treatment

September 5, 2018

Santa Barbara County doctors are testing out a new prescription medication to treat residents struggling with type 2 diabetes: veggies. Sansum Diabetes Research Institute, a Santa Barbara-based diabetes research and…

Rising carbon emissions make crops less nutritious, threaten global health

August 27, 2018

Read the full text on The Hill. Around the world, food security is being threatened by man-made carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Some of the threats to our food system are…

Excess Food, Which Normally Gets Thrown Out, Helps To Feed Hungry In Santa Barbara County

August 13, 2018

Food that would normally be thrown out is now feeding the hungry in Santa Barbara County. Restaurants, supermarkets and caterers routinely dump their excess prepared food. But instead of filling…

Lompoc residents, Foodbank reps celebrate 1-year anniversary of food access center

May 23, 2018

With a festive atmosphere that was befitting a birthday party, Lompoc community members and civic leaders joined with officials from the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County on Wednesday to celebrate…

Scaling Up Carbon Farming on Central Coast Rangelands

May 13, 2018

The Community Environmental Council (CEC), Cachuma Resource Conservation District, and Ted Chamberlin Ranch have been awarded a major statewide grant to scale-up and expand a regenerative agriculture research pilot underway…

The Chickens For Cover Crops Committee. David Silverman/Getty Images

California is turning farms into carbon-sucking factories

May 11, 2018

In a grand experiment, California switched on a fleet of high-tech greenhouse gas removal machines last month. Funded by the state’s cap-and-trade program, they’re designed to reverse climate change by sucking carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. These wonderfully complex machines are more high-tech than anything humans have designed. They’re called plants.

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