Tag: Santa Barbara County Food Action Network

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Celebrating the Season of Gratitude

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2024 • Comments Off

As we reflect on this season of gratitude, we are deeply thankful for the incredible support of people like you. Your generosity helps build a food system that empowers communities, uplifts local producers, and ensures families across Santa Barbara County can enjoy healthy, locally-sourced meals on Thanksgiving AND year-round.

This season, we invite you to celebrate gratitude with a gift that keeps on giving. Your donation helps us continue to amplify voices, share resources, and create solutions that uplift everyone in Santa Barbara County.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Transform the Future of Food

by Community Contributor • November 18, 2024 • Comments Off

At the Santa Barbara County Food Action Network, we’re redefining the possibilities in our food system by taking on the risks few others will. We believe that real change requires bold steps, and with your support, we’re ready to go further, building lasting foundations in advocacy, shared resources, and community connections.

We’ve already demonstrated what’s possible. By connecting food producers, policymakers, advocates, technical assistance providers, and more, we’re able to channel resources to the communities that need them most. These early successes are not just local victories—they’re prototypes for sustainable, equitable change across food systems everywhere.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network announces the 2024 Food Justice Microgrant Program Awardees

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2024 • Comments Off

SANTA BARBARA — The 2024 Food Justice Microgrant Program seeks to address inequities and vulnerabilities in our local food system. The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), with seed funding from our corporate partner, Clevr Blends, is awarding microgrants for projects or programs that build regional food system resiliency through the power of food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecology. Flexible funding of up to $5,000 per grantee, for a total of $40,000, is being awarded.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Grant Update – New Deadline June 7!

by Community Contributor • June 3, 2024 • Comments Off

This deadline extension encourages more applications and outreach as well as creative and out-of-the box proposals that may take more fine tuning or research. Think big — the options are fairly limitless in terms of how you may use these funds. The key is that the proposed projects drive food justice, food sovereignty, and/or agroecological practices. If you would like help workshopping your idea or if you are not sure the project fits within the scope of the grant, please reach out!

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Flood Recovery Funding for the Food System

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Was your farm, ranch, fishery, or food business impacted by the January 2023 floods in Santa Barbara County? We have compiled a list of resources for financial support below to help ensure our local food system makes it through this crisis.

SBCFAN is also tracking and monitoring the impacts of natural disasters, such as the recent floods in our local food community, and would like to hear from you. Please complete our brief survey. This data will help support advocacy for more emergency relief and inform how we can best support you. Together, we can build a resilient food system.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network is Ahead of the Curve

by Community Contributor • December 28, 2022 • Comments Off

Last month, food systems took the global stage as a legitimate solution to the climate crisis. For the first time ever, COP27 hosted a Food and Agriculture Pavilion where local, national, and global farmers and food system stakeholders convened to develop solutions for how we can ensure the path from farm to table is more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable.

Top line solutions included funding and financing, inclusive policy-making, and innovative approaches implemented by a diverse group of food producers. While global leaders play catch-up, SBCFAN is already helping implement these solutions by:

connecting food system projects to accessible, affordable, and equitable funding and financing opportunities
facilitating food policy coordination, navigation, and advocacy
supporting the development of new and innovative food system projects by a diverse group of stakeholders

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Fall Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2022 • Comments Off

Fall is in the air across Santa Barbara County. Winter squash’s orange and yellow hues abound at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food retailers. Farmers are milling locally-grown grains harvested in the summer, and local ranchers are raising turkeys for the holidays. Fishermen recently showcased the abundance of sustainably harvested, high-quality seafood at the 19th Annual Harbor and Seafood Festival.

From the mobile farmers’ market to shared agricultural equipment, food system changemakers across the Lompoc Valley are addressing critical needs by fostering community and developing food system infrastructure. As you’ll read in our latest regional highlight on the Lompoc Valley, farmers, ranchers, farmers’ market managers, food business owners, and educators alike are accelerating community-led solutions to build a more equitable, closed-loop food system.

As the seasons change, there are a number of opportunities to get involved in the Santa Barbara County food system. See below for more updates on how our region is building resilience, upcoming events to make new connections, and funding for your next project.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Summer E-Blast

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Join Rodale Institute for an Organic Field Day at the California Organic Center on Tuesday, August 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Learn more about their organic practices and research projects, watch an electric tractor demonstration, and listen to a panel presentation on “Water, Labor and International Competition.” This event is free and perfect for all farmers. Register to attend.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Public Call for Board Members

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce a public call for Board Members since the organization recently obtained 501c3 public charity status. This achievement is a key milestone made possible by seed funding and capacity-building support from the Santa Barbara Foundation and fiscal sponsorship by the Community Environmental Council and the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

“This is a very exciting time for our local food network,” said SBCFAN Chair Kiah Jordan. “The Community Environmental Council, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, and the Santa Barbara Foundation were instrumental in providing leadership, direction, and financial and administrative support to help us achieve independent 501c3 status. The next step is to build our Board of Directors to help guide the organization for generations to come.”

SBCFAN is looking for engaged community members with knowledge in areas such as agriculture, food enterprise, legal services primarily with human resources and/or the nonprofit sector, and accounting. Board applications are open today, Monday, August 1, through Tuesday, August, 16. To apply and learn more please go to: sbcfan.org/call-for-board-members.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Spring Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Spring has sprung in Santa Barbara County: strawberries are at their peak and the abundance of asparagus, peas, artichokes, garlic, freshly dug potatoes, and tender greens of all kinds are hard to miss at farmers’ markets, farm stands, and local food retailers. Ridgeback shrimp and Spot prawns have joined the year-round offerings of live red abalone, sea urchin, oysters, kelp, and fish available from the nutrient-rich waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. Lamb and other recently born grazers can be found dotting the hillsides alongside their parents, protecting our region against impending wildfires and providing quality protein and fiber for our community.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Provide Feedback on the Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2022 • Comments Off

ABOVE: The farm stand at Dare 2 Dream Farms in Lompoc. CREDIT: Dare 2 Dream Farms Agricultural Enterprise Ordinance Provide feedback on the Environmental Impact Report Provide Comments By Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 5 p.m. The County of Santa Barbara…

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Winter Newsletter

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2022 • Comments Off

Winter is fleeting, as it often is in California and throughout our coastal county. Santa Barbara County’s unique micro-climates allow for so much to be produced here this time of year while other parts of the country struggle to get the bare necessities to take root: winter crops such as celery root, beets, hard squash, bok choy, collards, cilantro, and citrus abound. As lobster season comes to a close, fishermen are reeling in halibut, seabass, and dozens of varieties of cod and rockfish. Soon ranchers will bring lamb to the market, a sign that spring is just around the corner.

As we welcome spring, we look forward to gathering with food system actors like you to listen, learn, and share resources.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Announcing a Unique Financing Option for Food Businesses

by Community Contributor • November 2, 2021 • Comments Off

Many food businesses, especially producers, have been unable to take advantage of traditional financing because there are too many barriers, the structure is too narrow, and other programs are not informed by those who apply for funding. Recognizing this regional need, SBCFAN and the Economic Development Collaborative proudly announce the Food System Resilience Loan Program, providing food businesses an equitable opportunity to access financing, address gaps in our food system, and ensure that their businesses thrive.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Fall Member Newsletter

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2021 • Comments Off

Fall is in the air across our food system – the mornings are crisp and the days are shorter as farmers transition from tomatoes, peppers, and corn to pumpkins, root vegetables, pomegranates, pears, apples, and walnuts. Local ranchers are raising turkeys for holiday feasts and fishermen are pulling California Spiny lobster and Ridgeback shrimp out of the cooler coastal waters.

When surrounded by this incredible bounty of locally produced food, it can at times be easy to take for granted the many food system actors who help get our food from farm to table. As you’ll read in our Santa Maria Community Profile, training programs for the next generation of food producers are critical to ensuring accessible pathways to careers in agriculture – and a vibrant future for our food system.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Summer Newsletter

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2021 • Comments Off

Summer is in full swing across our food system – stone fruit, tomatoes, summer squash, fresh beans, and corn are abundantly available at farmers markets and farm stands across the County. As you’ll read in our Mid-County Community Profile, many local ranchers, fishermen, chefs, home cooks, and gardeners are preserving the harvest to cultivate food sovereignty, curb food waste, promote food access and food security, and ultimately build resilience into the food system.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Join us for Member Happy Hour on Thursday and Food System Financing on Friday

by Community Contributor • May 20, 2021 • Comments Off

Join us on Thursday, May 20 at 4:30 p.m. for our first SBCFAN Membership Gathering – bring your favorite beverage, connect with other food system actors, learn more about the Network, and sharpen your food system knowledge.

This is a members only event; if you’re not yet a member, become one today or we’ll send you a link to join before the event. Membership is free through 2021!

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Start a Discussion or Working Group, and let’s get to work!

by Community Contributor • April 15, 2021 • Comments Off

Building a more resilient food system requires that all of us work together. That’s why we’re excited to introduce the online hub for SBCFAN Discussions and Working Groups – an opportunity for food system actors like you to connect, align, and activate with other members so that we can continue to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded foodshed.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network— Become an SBCFAN Member Today

by Community Contributor • March 22, 2021 • Comments Off

We’re thrilled to announce that SBCFAN membership is now open for all active participants in the Santa Barbara County food system – those who eat, grow, gather, buy, sell, ship, process, raise, fish, and engage with food as it moves from farm to table.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces New Chair to the Executive Committee

by Community Contributor • March 4, 2021 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is pleased to announce Kiah Jordan as Chair to its Executive Committee. SBCFAN’s Executive Committee is comprised of a broad spectrum of community leaders who drive the work of the organization and act as ambassadors to advocate and network on behalf of SBCFAN.
Jordan is the founder of Impact Family Office, a multi-family office serving clients as guides, advisors, and trustees. Before starting Impact Family Office, he worked for Santa Barbara Capital, a real estate investment firm, and with clients in the wine industry, tech sectors, and international manufacturing. Jordan graduated from Westmont College with degrees in Economics/Business and Spanish, and received a Master’s degree in Social Entrepreneurship from USC’s Marshall School of Business. He is a National Certified Guardian by the Center for Guardianship Certification and a licensed Professional Fiduciary by the California Professional Fiduciaries Bureau.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — A Big Thank You

by Community Contributor • December 23, 2020 • Comments Off

As the year comes to an end, we want to take a minute out of the bustling holiday season to thank our Executive Committee. The leadership team established the Network and provided the input, support, and guidance imperative to our growth and success. Santa Barbara County Food Action Network was established in 2019 to support efforts that advance the goals of the Food Action Plan. We work year-round to connect, align, and activate food system change makers in order to develop a robust local food economy; a healthy and just community; and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed. We rely on our Network leadership to direct our efforts and support our ongoing work.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network gives $150,000 in grants to nonprofits throughout the County addressing broader food system issues

by Community Contributor • December 21, 2020 • Comments Off

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) announces the recipients of its 2020 Food System Resilience Grants. Grants totalling $150,000 are given to support the achievement of Food Action Plan goals by contributing to the broader food systems of Santa Barbara County. SBCFAN is awarding the grants in partnership with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County and the Santa Barbara Foundation.

The nonprofits receiving 2020 Food System Resilience Grants are:

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network’s “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Campaign Offers Safe Option for Celebrating the Holidays during Stay-At-Home Order

by Community Contributor • December 14, 2020 • Comments Off

The Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays Campaign launched before Thanksgiving as a collaborative effort between Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN), Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), county-wide farmers’ markets, and Edible Santa Barbara. The Campaign offers a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the holidays while emphasizing the importance of supporting the County’s local agriculture and food producers during the ongoing pandemic.

“Due to the regional Stay at Home Order that went into effect on Monday, our local food system faces even greater pressure – the need to support our County’s local farmers, ranchers, food artisans and fisherfolk is more critical than ever. The Stay Home and Eat Local Campaign provides a fun and practical way to encourage our community to shop local this season by creating nutritious and beautiful meals for their loved ones during the

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Holiday Newsletter

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2020 • Comments Off

We are collaborating with Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to celebrate this season, while supporting our local farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans during the pandemic. Together, we have created a “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” Shopping Guide, which includes in-season recipes by Edible Santa Barbara to plan your fresh, beautiful and nutritious holiday meal. The guide also features suggested budgets based on the size of your small gathering; sample menus with basic preparations; and a shopping list with an easy to follow market map to use at your local farmers market!

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network — Support local food system resilience by donating to SBCFAN

by Community Contributor • December 1, 2020 • Comments Off

Local is always in season! We work year-round to support efforts that strengthen our local food system.

Give back this holiday season by donating to our ongoing work of connecting, aligning and activating a network of food system actors to develop a robust local food economy, a healthy and just community, and a well-stewarded, resilient foodshed.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces ‘Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays’ Campaign

by Community Contributor • November 24, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) has connected Santa Barbara County farmers markets, the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department and Edible Santa Barbara to develop a safe, affordable, and healthy option for celebrating the Holidays – and supporting the County’s food system – during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, these Network partners are launching an aligned “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” campaign to encourage County residents to avoid large gatherings and enjoy locally sourced holiday meals with their household instead.

The campaign, which launches on Saturday, November 21, sprouted from conversations with County Public Health around how to emphasize the importance of avoiding gatherings during the holidays to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “Stay Home (and Eat Local) for the Holidays” takes that message and elevates it by also encouraging residents to shop local in our safe, outdoor farmers markets for affordable and healthy holiday meal ingredients that support Santa Barbara County farmers, ranchers, fisherfolk, and food artisans,” said SBCFAN’s Executive Director, Shakira Miracle.

Santa Barbara County Food Action Network Announces Shakira Miracle as First Executive Director

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2020 • Comments Off

The Santa Barbara County Food Action Network (SBCFAN) is proud to announce the selection of its first Executive Director, Shakira Miracle. Her hiring comes at a critical time when the strain and stress on our local food system is at an unprecedented high due to COVID-19.