Hunger Relief Program Expands as Need Remains High in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - Bags of food are packed and ready to reach families across Santa Barbara County as local need continues to grow.

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County officials report the region is facing increasing levels of food insecurity, driven by rising costs and ongoing poverty.

“We are number one when it comes to poverty in our state, so Santa Barbara County is now the highest in poverty,” said Julianna Madrigal, development coordinator for the Foodbank.

Last year, the organization served more than 200,000 individuals across the county. Staff say that amounts to helping roughly one in three residents annually.

“The cost continues to increase here at the Foodbank. We served over 200,000 individuals in Santa Barbara County last year alone,” said Laurel Alcantar, director of marketing.

Meeting that demand requires steady and reliable support, which is coming in part through a new initiative called Foodbeats.

Foodbeats is a monthly giving program where donors contribute five dollars or more and receive discounts or perks at participating local businesses.

“It’s a monthly membership program where if you donate five dollars a month or more, you get a discount or perk at local businesses, like Rori’s Artisanal Creamery, to encourage monthly giving,” Madrigal said.

One of those partners is Rori’s Artisanal Creamery.

“At least a lot of our customers weren’t that aware of the Foodbank, and then when this came up, it was, ‘Oh, I get to buy one, get one.’ My hope is definitely to continue with the Foodbank,” said founder and owner Rori Trovato.

The program has raised more than $280,000 in its first year.

The goal is to expand partnerships and deepen community engagement to better serve those in need.

“This was a way to connect with our local businesses and give them more visibility, as well as get them more involved with the Foodbank,” Madrigal said.

As need continues to grow, programs like Foodbeats are helping keep food—and hope—on the move.A local hunger relief effort is gaining traction as more families struggle to afford food.

The Foodbank’s Foodbeats program has raised more than $280,000 in its first year. The monthly subscription provides local families with nutritional groceries.

The partnership with Rori’s Artisanal Creamery helped draw in steady monthly support.

Now, the program is growing with new businesses as demand across the county remains high.

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