Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (SBCE) has announced $35,000 in grants to seven nonprofits whose programs strengthen the region’s food system, and support culinary and agricultural education.
This year’s grants mark a $5,000 increase over 2025, made possible by the community’s continued participation in SBCE events and the generosity of sponsors and donors, SBCE said.
Among this year’s grantees is the SBCC Foundation, which is using its $5,000 award to start the newly named Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Scholarship for students entering Santa Barbara City College’s Culinary Arts program.
This year’s grant will go toward two scholarships for students in the program. SBCE helped support four Culinary Arts students in 2025.
“We are thrilled to be able to give back to our community in an even bigger way this year, thanks to the incredible turnout and generosity for the 2026 Santa Barbara Culinary Experience,” said Tamara Berndt, director, Santa Barbara Culinary Experience.
“Each of these organizations is doing meaningful work to support Santa Barbara County’s food system, and we’re proud that the SBCE community’s participation translates directly into a positive impact for the nonprofits on the front lines,” Berndt said.
2026 grant awardees are:
- Veggie Rescue — $5,000
In support of Veggie Rescue’s Giving Farm, 20 leased acres between Buellton and Lompoc, farmed by Tom Shepherd that are already yielding 2,500 pounds of produce weekly for delivery to nonprofit partners throughout the county. Visit veggierescue.org. - Growing Grounds Farm (Transitions-Mental Health Association) — $5,000
In support of Growing Grounds Farm’s therapeutic horticulture and vocational training programs for adults with mental illness in Santa Maria, including seed purchases for the 2027 growing season. Visit t-mha.org. - Allan Hancock College Viticulture & Enology Foundation — $5,000
In support of hands-on viticulture and winemaking training for students, including new vine plantings and irrigation for Allan Hancock College’s on-campus vineyard and winery. Visit hancockcollege.edu/winery. - Santa Barbara Agriculture and Farm Education Foundation (SBAFEF) — $5,000
In support of SBAFEF’s Warka Tower project, water towers that draw moisture from the air to provide irrigation water and move the farm toward long-term drought resilience. Visit sbafefoundation.com. - Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation — $5,000
In support of the Foundation’s Holiday Hope campaign, which provides warm coats, boots, socks, hats, and gift cards to more than 130 vineyard workers across the county ahead of the holiday season. Visit sbvintnersfoundation.org. - SBCC Foundation — $5,000
In support of two Culinary Arts scholarships, bringing SBCE’s scholarship total since 2025 to four students supported. This year’s grant also launched the new Santa Barbara Culinary Experience Scholarship. The scholarship was recommended by Mitchell Sjerven (SBCE advisory committee member, Bouchon Santa Barbara owner, and SBCC Culinary Arts lecturer).” Visit sbccfoundation.org. - Route One Farmers Market — $5,000
In support of relaunching Route One’s monthly Power of Produce nutrition classes, giving 15-20 children a year of lessons, token incentives, and hands-on experience shopping for fruits and vegetables at the market. Visit routeonefarmersmarket.org.
The Santa Barbara Culinary Experience (May 10-16, 2027 ), in partnership with The Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts, is an annual celebration of all things food & drink in Santa Barbara County.
In addition to a week of events in May, SBCE hosts food and drink-centered pop ups throughout the year.
The SBCE’s mission is to shine a light on local culinary, hospitality, tourism, artisan, and small business communities through events tht foster learning, discovery and fun.
The SBCE also celebrates all that Julia Child loved about the Santa Barbara region. A portion of the proceeds from all Santa Barbara Culinary Experience events are used to make grants to local nonprofit organizations making a difference in Santa Barbara County’s food system.
For more, visit https://sbce.events/.