Some local wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyard management companies are sharing the fruits of their labor, so to speak, by raising money for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Through Jan. 6, Santa Barbara County businesses participating in the “Food from the Vine” program will hold unique fundraisers, such as donating proceeds from sales of a special wine or 10 percent of sales.
Two local winemakers, Leslie Mead Renaud and Clarissa Nagy, came up with the program to support the Foodbank. Emily Einolander of Ampelos Cellars also donated her time and design work for the project.
“Our goal is to raise funds for the Foodbank to provide fresh and nutritious produce to those who might otherwise go without,” Renaud said in a press release. “We’re energized by the enthusiasm we’ve received from the community about this opportunity to give back in a fun and unique way.”
The goal for each participating business is to raise $1,000, with a total campaign goal of $100,000. The campaign is also meant to be fun and competitive, with businesses being encouraged to call out specific individuals or groups to challenge them to donate.
“We are thrilled to have the support of our local agricultural community in such an innovative and creative way,” Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin said in the press release. “The work of these local partners goes hand in hand with Foodbank’s emphasis on distributing locally grown produce whenever possible.”
According to Foodbank officials, one in four people in Santa Barbara County receives food support; 44 percent of those people are children. Last year, the Foodbank distributed food and resources to support 8.5 million meals—half of which was fresh produce.
For more information about the “Food of the Vine” program, visit foodbanksbc.org/FoodFromtheVine.html or the group’s Facebook page, facebook.com/foodfromthevine.
Managing Editor Amy Asman compiled this week’s Community Corner. Information should be sent to the Sun via mail e-mail, or fax.
This article appears in Dec 12-19, 2013.