Foodbank of Santa Barbara County launches bilingual text program
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Healthy food is just a text away for many people who are struggling to feed themselves and their family during this health crisis.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County launched a new text program offering fast, customized access to information in English and Spanish about SAFE Food locations countywide. It also works for people who don't have a smartphone or WiFi.
Residents can text "FOOD" or "COMIDA" to (877) FOOD801 (877) 366-3801. Once they provide their zip code, information about the three SAFE Food Net distribution locations nearest to them will be texted back. This service is free, though messaging costs may apply.
“The Foodbank is always working to ensure that everyone in the community has access to healthy food,” explained Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin. “During the Covid-19 crisis, it’s more important than ever to consider every possible impediment to that access. Not having WiFi or the budget to buy and pay for service for a smartphone shouldn’t keep anyone from finding out where they can receive healthy food. This text program helps expand our reach into the community.”
The Foodbank has 54 SAFE Food Net sites countywide. Residents receive groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables for free. No documentation or registration is required and twenty locations offer no-contact drive-thru service.
Seniors in need of supplemental food delivered to their homes should call 2-1-1. Any seniors aged 60 or over, and those 55 and over who self-certify they have a disability, will receive healthy staples (canned protein, nut butters, whole grain cereals, beans, rice, milk-alternatives, low-sodium soups and stews, etc) and fresh produce delivered to their door.
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is also looking for more volunteers to pack food bags and make deliveries.
