Santa Barbara County has the highest poverty rate in California, per the Public Policy Institute of California. What are potential solutions to the growing crisis of food insecurity in our community? Please join us for our Grants in Action Roundtable to learn what the experts think.
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
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:
- Lacey Baldiviez Johnston, PhD, President, Food Bank of Santa Barbara County
- Van Do-Reynoso, PhD, 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 Liles, Nutrition Services/WIC Director for the County of Santa Barbara Health Department
When: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 – 5:30 to 7:00 PM
Where: The New Vic Theatre
33 West Victoria Street
Santa Barbara CA 93101
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.