The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has launched its 2025 Holiday Turkey Drive, calling on the community to help collect 3,000 turkeys and chickens so every local family can enjoy a holiday meal this season.

This year’s effort comes as thousands of residents face uncertainty due to the ongoing federal shutdown, which may suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding, known in California as CalFresh, for November. More than 55,000 Santa Barbara County residents rely on SNAP each month, and over half are children or older adults.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities SNAP helps millions of low-wage workers in California afford food while covering high housing and healthcare costs. Without it, many families will turn to the Foodbank and its partners for emergency support.

In October, the Foodbank provided emergency food for 100 families at Vandenberg Space Force Base and held food pickups for TSA employees affected by the shutdown. The organization continues to assist military families, federal workers, and anyone experiencing hardship.

Community members can contribute to the Turkey Drive in two ways:

• Make a Virtual Donation: The Foodbank’s Virtual Food Drive allows donors to make the biggest impact. Every $1 provides $5 worth of food, helping the Foodbank purchase exactly what local families need most this holiday season. Donations can be made at https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/campaign/737714/donate.
• Drop Off a Turkey or Chicken: Fresh or frozen birds can be dropped off Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., through November 17, at either warehouse:

• • South County: 80 Coromar Drive, Goleta
  • North County: 490 Foster Road, Santa Maria

Both donation methods directly support local families in need.

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County provides nourishment and nutrition education to more than one in four county residents through over 300 community programs. Learn more at www.foodbanksbc.org.

About the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County

The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County transforms hunger into health by providing nutritious food, education, and resources to residents throughout the county. We serve 1 in 3 Santa Barbara County neighbors, distribute over 12 million pounds of food yearly, and work with more than 200 partners and programs to build food security and resilience across Santa Barbara County. For more information, visit www.FoodbankSBC.org.