Veggie Rescue founder Terry Delaney will be recognized as a 2025 Champion of the Valley during a community celebration Sunday, Oct. 12 at Camp Carmina in Los Olivos, the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation has announced.
“Highlighting their generosity, their spirit, and the lasting impact of those who give freely to their community, the Champions of the Valley event honors individuals whose contributions have strengthened the Santa Ynez Valley and improved lives across the region,” Santa Ynez Valley Foundation said.
Earlier this year, Delaney was honored at Veggie Rescue’s 15th anniversary Gathering for Good at Folded Hills Winery, where the community paid tribute to his founding vision and commitment, and the organization’s ongoing impact.
Delaney founded Veggie Rescue 15 years ago based on his conviction that fresh, healthy food should not go to waste when so many in our community struggle to afford it.
Today, the organization rescues surplus food formerly destined for landfills and redirects it to participating nonprofit groups in Santa Barbara County, a county with one of the highest poverty rates in California, where one in three community members struggles to afford food, the foundation said.
Working to meet the growing need, Veggie Rescue reports it is on track this year to rescue and redirect more than 650,000 pounds of nutritious food from more than 50 participating contributors to 66 local organizations feeding children, families, seniors, and unhoused community members.
Healthy surplus food rescued from farms, small orchards, farmers’ markets, grocery stores and bakeries is delivered via refrigerated trucks within 24 hours of collection to ensure freshness and food safety.
By delivering healthy food to people with the greatest need for nutritional assistance, Veggie Rescue also keeps surplus food out of landfills, significantly reducing greenhouse gases.
“The vision Terry had 15 years ago continues to guide us today,” said Eryn Shugart, executive director of Veggie Rescue. “Under his foundational leadership, Veggie Rescue grew into an organization that feeds thousands of our neighbors every single day while reducing the harmful environmental impact of food waste.
“As we grow, we are actively looking for new food donors to partner with us, new recipient organizations to share in our distributions, and volunteers to help glean surplus produce from fields, orchards, and backyards,” Shugart said. “We also welcome farmers and community members who are willing to allow gleaning on their property so that no nutritious food goes to waste.
To purchase tickets or learn more, visit the Santa Ynez Valley Foundation at https://www.syvalleyfoundation.org/champions.
For more about Veggie Rescue or to get involved as a donor, volunteer, or partner, visit
https://www.veggierescue.org.