Goleta facility needs modification, refrigeration, and updates to meet countywide need for healthy food

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County announces the launch of a four-month public campaign to support its new south county facility in Goleta. The Foodbank aims to raise $6 million by December 31, 2022 to fully outfit the new facility to meet its purpose and to ensure that all county residents have access to the healthy food they need.

The culmination of a decade-long search for a comprehensive south county warehouse and administrative facility, the new “Sharehouse” is located at 80 Coromar Drive in Goleta, just off Hollister between Storke and Los Carneros Roads. The Sharehouse name indicates it will serve as more than just a warehouse; it will be a comprehensive center where the community can “share food, education and hope.”

The Foodbank will open the doors of the new Sharehouse to the community at the Sharehouse Festival on Saturday, September 17 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. with opening remarks at 1 p.m.by Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin and presentation of a Congressional certificate from Congressmember Salud Carbajal.

The event will feature food samples and cooking demonstrations and samples by Chef Patton Knox and his team at Barbareño, hands-on activities led by Foodbank partner A to Z Cooking School, volunteer activities that include packing “Care Bags” for distribution to local unhoused (homeless) residents, interactive warehouse tours, and more. Admission is free. Community members (All ages are welcome.) who wish to attend may visit www.FoodbankSBC.org to RSVP.

The finished Sharehouse will enable the Foodbank to meet community need with a fully functioning warehouse and food storage facility, Nutrition Promotion Center, volunteer space and administrative offices. 

Those who cannot attend the Sharehouse Festival may enjoy a Sharehouse Virtual Tour and Video Event that will launch on Saturday, September 17 at 12 noon either live on Facebook @FoodbankSB or by visiting www.FoodbankSBC.org/Sharehouse to see interview videos, see the online tour and learn more about the Sharehouse campaign. The online virtual tour and video event will be available on the Foodbank website throughout 2022.

The Foodbank has received generous matching grants from anonymous donors that will double donations. To make a contribution of any size, community members may donate at www.FoodbankSBC.org/Sharehouse.

In addition to making individual donations, community members can support the Sharehouse by starting fundraisers with their neighbors, family, colleagues and civic or faith groups or clubs at www.FoodbankSBC.org/Sharehouse