Organic Soup Kitchen becomes first agency to provide medically-tailored meals in Santa Barbara County

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – The Organic Soup Kitchen is busy delivering hundreds of healthy meals to those in need throughout Santa Barbara County this week.

But as inflation rises, the nonprofit gets busier.

"We do see an increase in need in the community and a rise in demand as people struggle with food prices," said development manager Jennifer Hyle of the Organic Soup Kitchen.

Now cofounder Anthony Carroccio wants to double the number of people they serve with meals medically tailored to each person.

"You know for instance, if you have diabetes, we’re not gonna give you something that’s laid in with a high glycemic index," said Carroccio.

CenCal health is in the process of donating $100,000 towards a $500,000 capital campaign needed to fund the operational expansion.

“We are extremely exciting to be able to offer members who are having certain health challenges ... access to medically supportive food is key ... nutrition is vital to a person’s recovery," said strategic engagement director Citlali Santos of CenCal.

In addition to CenCal's help, the soup kitchen team is hoping for community support to build a new cold storage center.

“We’re seeking $400,000 from the community to make this vision a reality," said Hyle.

The Organic Soup Kitchen will be the first Santa Barbara County based agency to provide these specialized meals to CenCal’s health plan members.

"My hope and dreams is to really expand our practice throughout the community and give people a fighting chance," said Carroccio.