As part of Hunger Action Month, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is conducting its Dine Out for Hunger drive for the second consecutive year, inviting the community to support local families facing food insecurity.
That call to action comes at a critical time, the Foodbank said. According to the latest California Poverty Measure from the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), Santa Barbara County again has the highest poverty rate in California, with 20.3% of residents living at or below the California Poverty Measure — a four-percentage-point increase from the previous year’s report.
The latest data cover 2022-24 and account for the high cost of living and the impact of safety-net programs.
As the largest hunger relief organization in the county, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County serves some 200,000 neighbors annually through a network of more than 200 community partners.
During Hunger Action Month, the Foodbank seeks help from local residents, whether by dining at a participating restaurant, making a donation, volunteering, or simply sharing information and raising awareness about food insecurity in our community, organizers said.
Throughout September, participating restaurants will donate a portion of proceeds from designated menu items to the Foodbank. Diners can enjoy a meal while supporting local restaurants and helping provide nutritious food to neighbors in need.
Participating restaurants include Helena Avenue Bakery, Loquita, The Lark, Paloma, Lucky Penny, Timbers Roadhouse, Padaro Beach Grill, Mad and Vin at the Landsby, The Victor Restaurant and Bar, Bouchon Santa Barbara, Carr Winery, and Bettina Pizzeria.
“As a local business, our community is at the heart of everything we do,” said Leslie Inlow of The Victor Restaurant and Bar. “Food brings people together, but far too many of our neighbors face food insecurity every single day.
“Participating in Dine Out for Hunger allows us to use our passion for food to make a tangible, positive impact right here at home. We’re honored to partner to help ensure everyone in our community has access to a good meal.”
Take action, with air miles
Thanks to American Airlines, one lucky winner will receive 50,000 air miles, valued at about $1,300. To enter, take action for Hunger Action Month and share it on Instagram. Donate food, join a community tour, dine at a Dine Out for Hunger partner, volunteer, or find your own way to take action. Follow @foodbanksbc for details.
Dine Out for Hunger is just one way to participate. The Foodbank urges the community to:
• Dine Out: Visit https://info.foodbanksbc.org/on-the-table-campaigns-happenings for participating restaurants and details.
• Donate: Support the Foodbank through the Hunger Action Month fundraising campaign. Every $1 donated can provide about $5 worth of nutritious groceries through the Foodbank’s purchasing power. Hunger Action Month Fundraising Page: foodbanksbc.org/HAM
• Volunteer: Give time to help provide food to neighbors throughout the county.
• Community tour: Sign up for a tour of the Sharehouse.
• Stay connected: Follow, share, and help raise awareness about food insecurity on social media.
• Spread the word: Talk about hunger and share Foodbank resources with friends, family and colleagues.
On Sept. 29, the Foodbank will recognize Hunger Action Day by urging the community to Wear Orange, Post Orange and Act Orange in support of a hunger-free Santa Barbara County.
Hunger Action Month is made possible in part by the support of sponsors CenCal Health, Farmacy I.V., Edison International, Yardi, AgWest Farm Credit, Cuadrilla Capitol, and Frank & Leslie.
The Foodbank also thanks The Kirby-Jones Foundation for matching up to $125,000, doubling the impact of local support.
For more, visit www.foodbanksbc.org.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County provides nourishment and education through a network of more than 200 community partners, nutrition education programs, and food distribution sites.