The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking community members to donate 4,000 fresh or frozen turkeys and chickens to provide healthy holiday meals to local families who cannot afford them. The target number reflects a dramatic increase in need throughout the county. The 2020 Turkey Drive runs through the holiday season.

Community members may drop off turkeys or chickens at the Foodbank’s warehouses Monday through Friday in Santa Barbara at 4554 Hollister Ave from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and in Santa Maria at 490 W. Foster Road from 7:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Birds must be dropped off by November 23 to ensure delivery to families in time for Thanksgiving, but the Foodbank will accept donations through December 11 for other holiday meals.

“The Foodbank needs small turkeys and chickens to ensure everyone in our county can have a wholesome holiday dinner,” explained Paul Wilkins, Foodbank Chief Operations Officer. “With shortages expected for food banks across the country in the last quarter of the year, and when our community is facing rampant job losses and economic crisis, the need is higher than ever this year.”

In lieu of dropping off fresh or frozen birds, community members may sponsor holiday meals online by visiting https://donate.foodbanksbc.org/2020HolidayFoodDrive to donate

Community members or local businesses who would like to host a turkey drive may call (805) 319-9096  or email jjenkins@foodbanksbc.org.