A Grants In Action Event: Expert Roundtable

Wednesday, September 2, 2026
     
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
The New Vic Theatre | 33 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara

A Grants In Action Event: Expert Roundtable

At The Table Together: Addressing Food Insecurity in Our Community

Please join us for our Grants in Action Expert Roundtable on the growing crisis of food insecurity in Santa Barbara County.

You’ll hear our experts explore the economic, social, and health impacts of food insecurity and why so many struggle to access nutritious food.

  • Learn how existing support systems are working to meet the community’s food needs, increasingly without government support
  • Discover how schools, health-care systems, nonprofits, government agencies, businesses, and the philanthropic community can collaborate on lasting solutions

Santa Barbara County has the highest poverty rate in California, currently ranking first in the state per the Public Policy Institute of California.

  • According to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County, one in three households in our community faces food insecurity – more than double the national rate.
  • The burden falls hardest on lower-income families and children, who must often prioritize housing, gas, utilities, and medical attention over nutritious food, even as drastic cuts in government aid increase the pressure on local nonprofits.

This is a unique, not-to-be-missed opportunity to listen in as our grantees and civic leaders problem-solve together to address food insecurity in our community. After the program, meet informally with the speakers in the New Vic courtyard to continue the conversation.

EXPERT PANEL:

  • Dr. Lacey Baldiviez Johnston PhD, President, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County
  • Dr. Van Do-Reynoso, Chief Customer Experience Officer, CenCal Health
  • Rachel Lipman, Assistant Director, Economic Assistance & Employment Services, Department of Social Services, Santa Barbara County
  • Angela Miller-Bevan, Executive Director, Unity Shoppe
  • Eryn Shugart PhD, Executive Director, Veggie Rescue

Moderator: Susan Niles, Nutrition Services/WIC Director for the County of Santa Barbara Health Department

We look forward to seeing you at the table! RSVP now for this very special event, and feel free to invite guests.

Members, please register here.

Register a guest here.

Members of the public, register here.

Register