Farm to Foodbank Tops 718,000 Pounds in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Fresh produce grown on local farms is reaching more families across Santa Barbara County through a partnership between area growers and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

One year after launching Farm to Foodbank, the program has distributed more than 718,000 pounds of locally grown produce while investing more than $1 million in purchases from area farms. Today, about 80 percent of the Foodbank’s produce purchases come through the program.

At a Carpinteria farm, grower Juan Osario shared what the partnership means for local agriculture and the opportunity to help feed families close to home.

Foodbank President and CEO Erik Talkin explained the program allows the Foodbank to purchase produce directly from local growers, strengthening relationships with area farms while increasing access to fresh fruits and vegetables for neighbors facing food insecurity.

As the partnership enters its second year, Foodbank leaders plan to continue working with local growers to bring more fresh food to families across Santa Barbara County.

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