Hi everyone. I want to speak directly and honestly about what is happening in Santa Barbara right now. Because of the federal shutdown of SNAP and other essential food assistance programs, thousands of children, families, seniors, and undocumented community members have suddenly lost access to the benefits that help keep them fed.

Overnight, people who were already stretched thin are now facing empty refrigerators and empty cupboards. This is a crisis. And it is happening in our own backyard. Food is not a privilege. It is a human right. And right now, too many people in Santa Barbara are being denied that right because of decisions far outside their control.

We are asking our community, our neighbors, our friends, and the people who care to step up. Put your hearts and your wallets forward so we can support the organizations on the front lines: the Santa Barbara Food Bank and the 805 UndocuFund.

These groups are feeding families who have no safety net, no backup plan, and no ability to wait this out. We have launched this GoFundMe, and every dollar we raise will go directly to these organizations so they can continue feeding the thousands of people who are going hungry day after day in SB County. As chefs, it does not feel right to serve beautiful meals to those who can afford them while others in our community are wondering how they will feed their kids tonight. We believe in feeding everyone. And we are asking you to stand with us.

Please give what you can. Even a small amount makes a real and immediate difference.

Let us show what Santa Barbara can do when we take care of each other.

***Where Your Donation Goes

Santa Barbara County Food Bank

Check out their website

The Food Bank serves more than 190,000 people every year, including families, children, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity. With federal benefits frozen, demand has surged. Donations help provide fresh produce, pantry staples, and emergency food distributions across the county.

805 UndocuFund

Check out their website

The 805 UndocuFund directly supports undocumented individuals and families who are excluded from most federal benefits, including SNAP, unemployment, and disaster relief. This fund provides emergency financial assistance for food, rent, and basic essentials. This support is especially critical right now as many families have lost their only source of food assistance.