Staff Report
First & Oak in Solvang and Industrial Eats in Buellton are among 17 restaurants that have partnered with the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to host the first countywide Dine Out for Hunger campaign throughout September.
The community effort will raise money to benefit the Foodbank and help end hunger in Santa Barbara County as part of Feeding America’s national Hunger Action Month.
Proceeds from the campaign will directly benefit local children’s programs, senior nutrition services, and grocery distributions to families.
Last year, the Foodbank served 190,000 residents across the county, 40 percent of whom were children, through nutrition education programs, fresh produce distributions, and healthy-food pantries.
Each restaurant will donate $1 to the Foodbank for each purchase of a selected menu item.
First & Oak is at 409 1st St. in Solvang, and Industrial Eats is at 181 Industrial Way in Buellton.
Participating restaurants in Santa Barbara include Bar 29, Bettina, Benchmark Eatery, Bibi Ji, The Boathouse, Ca’ Dario, Dargan’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, Finch & Fork, Khao Kaeng, Los Arroyos, Mesa Burger, Satellite, Soul Cal Smokehouse, Three Pickles, and Toma.
“We’re excited to be working with local restaurants who work so hard to feed and nourish our community,” said Nathalie Keller, Foodbank development manager. “The Foodbank is honored that many of them are donating a portion of their best-selling items and are so happy to give back.”
The Foodbank urges anyone eating out during September to consider dining at one of the participating restaurants and ask their server for the special Dine Out for Hunger menu item. Menu items span breakfast, lunch and dinner, and include an array of foods.
Each qualifying purchase provides eight meals to those facing hunger in local communities, according to the Foodbank.
Dine Out for Hunger ends Sept. 30. To learn more, visit https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/DineOut.
For more information about the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, visit www.foodbanksbc.org.
