One of the best parts about the holidays is being able to share a delicious meal with loved ones. Unfortunately for some Santa Barbara County residents, purchasing and preparing meals can be a big challenge.
According to 2010 U.S. Census data, 18 percent of the county’s residents—nearly 74,000 people—now live below the poverty line. Children account for more than 20 percent of this figure.
“The faces of people coming to the Foodbank have changed significantly in the last several years, with a large increase in families with young children and individuals who have never before asked for assistance,” Foodbank Executive Director Erik Talkin said in a press release.
To help families in need, employees at the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County are asking more fortunate members of the community to donate to their Neighbors Helping Neighbors Holiday food drive, which lasts through Dec. 23.
Some of the most-needed items include peanut butter, rice, beans, canned fruit and vegetables, canned meats and soups, cereal, pasta, coffee, and jelly. Another much-needed item is diapers.
The Foodbank can’t accept home-canned products, nor can it distribute baby food, unlabeled items, or bulk items. The food must be in its original packaging.
Community Leadership Manager Darlene Chavez explained that, thanks to its relationship with Feeding America, the national network of food banks, the Santa Barbara County Foodbank is able to turn every $1 donated into $17 of nutritious food.
“Feeding America has relationships with large corporations, like Kraft, that are able to give discounts on bulk items,” Chavez said.
She said it also helps that the Foodbank’s facility on West Foster Road is completely paid for, meaning officials don’t have to worry about using donations to pay for rent.
When asked if she had some tips for shoppers interested in donating, Chavez said, “I always look for deals in the newspapers and online. Some stores are having buy one, get one free specials.”
Other ideas include partnering with friends to make a joint donation, collecting spare change, or holding a party and asking guests to bring food items as an “entry fee.”
Donations are currently being accepted at the Foodbank warehouse, 490 W. Foster Road, and local grocery stores, including Vons, Albertsons, and FoodMaxx. The Foodbank also accepts monetary donations online at foodbanksbc.org or via telephone at 937-3422.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at aasman@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 8-15, 2011.