Foodbank of Santa Barbara County opens new facility in Goleta

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The new warehouse for the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County may not look like much right now.

“This is the new mystery place. We have been wanting to show people for a long time," said CEO Erik Talkin of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

By this weekend, the new site in Goleta will be open to the community.

"At the moment it’s empty, and we will be fitting out this warehouse," said Talkin.

The CEO says the current facility is running out of space for incoming food.

"We had converted a fire station in Santa Barbara for 30 years ... and we’ve been making it work. But it’s too small, and it’s not really up to the task at the level which we are serving. So we are very excited. This is the first of its kind in Goleta for the foodbank," said senior communications manager of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

The foodbank already purchased the building.

Now, the organization is launching a $6 million Sharehouse" campaign to raise money for services and upgrades.

“Even though it’s not ready to be operational, we are inviting the community to join us to get a preliminary look ... do lots of fun activities ... try some food samples ... on Saturday," said Smith-Meyer.

While this new facility is still going through upgrades, it’s expected to be fully operational by next summer.

"It's for the entire community ... a big part of the goal is to be able to serve everyone in the community," said Smith-Meyer.

"When it’s a thriving warehouse full of food, it’s going to keep families fed for decades to come," said Talkin.

The organization said it aims to raise $6 million by Dec. 31 to ensure all county residents have access to the healthy food they need.

The "Sharehouse," located at 80 Coromar Drive, will serve as a comprehensive center where the community can "share food, education and hope," according to organizers.

The foodbank will open the Sharehouse doors to the community at the Sharehouse Festival on Sept. 17, featuring remarks from Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin and Congress member Salud Carbajal.

"The finished Sharehouse will enable the Foodbank to meet community need with a fully functioning warehouse and food storage facility, Nutrition Promotion Center, volunteer space and administrative offices," according to the organization.

For more information and ways to donate, visit foodbanksbc.org/building-readiness.