Taste of the Nation

Santa Barbara – Ending childhood hunger in Santa Barbara County. That is the goal of the “Taste the Nation” Fundraiser.For the 5th year in a row, “Taste the Nation” brought together about fifty of the areas best chefs, wine makers and even local celebrities, like Top Chef season 5 fan-favorite Fabio Vivian to help make a difference.”Hunger is not an issue, to me it’s a disease. It has to be eradicated,” said Vivian.The event is put on by a non-profit organization called Share our Strength. It’s aim is to eliminate childhood hundred nationwide. The organization says it works with local restaurants and vendors for a reason.”They feed people all the time and we knew they’d be passionate and understand and not want to see people go hungry,” said Judy Walker from Share our Strength.The proceeds from the event will go to the Santa Barbara County Food Bank. It is a much needed boost for the organization which distributes food to those in need across the Tri-Counties. Nearly half of its clients are children.”From January 1st, 2012 to March 31st, the food bank served 29,269 never before served clients. That gives us a forecast of what’s coming,” said Diane Durst from the Santa Barbara County Food Bank.Organizers hope to raise about $50,000.KEY News Reporter Sara Bush has the story.