Foodbank of Santa Barbara County expands education programs by 25% this fiscal year

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is expanding its children's nutrition education to improve health habits for kids experiencing food insecurity.

The foodbank is launching a series of programs called "Feed the Future" where high school students will explore the nutritional and health value of a variety of foods.

They will also engage in hands-on cooking, learn to plan and budget for meals, and practice food photography.

From January to May, the Foodbank will also expand its existing children's programs countywide, increasing service to youth in Santa Barbara, Goleta, Isla Vista, Lompoc, Santa Maria, and Guadalupe.

Food literacy in Preschool (FLIP) will expand by 80 percent, with four new locations. FLIP introduces low-income preschoolers to a fruit or veggie each month.

The Kids Farmers Market will take place at 28 locations serving more than 1,800 children throughout the county.

The Foodbank's children's programs are taught by volunteer nutrition educators who are trained in curriculum from the Foodbank.