Last Saturday, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County’s annual Table of Life Gala dramatically put the spotlight on college hunger right in our county and raised $335,000 to support food distribution at area colleges. More than 200 guests gathered for the swanky soirée on the stunningly beautiful grounds of Boardmember Betsey von Summer Moller’s and John Moller’s Ennisbrook estate.
During the reception, guests mingled on the spacious terraces and lawns before being seated for the al fresco dinner. Jeannine’s Bakery owner Alison Hardey, who was last year’s honoree, served as emcee, setting the tone with her warmth of spirit and passion for the Foodbank. The tasty family-style dinner was created by Rincon Catering owner Marc Borowitz and active Foodbank supporter and nutritionist Randi Miller and featured citrus poached salmon, lemon and rosemary chicken, and abundant sides.
After the dinner hour, CEO Erik Talkin introduced the subject of college hunger by noting that the struggles college kids face today are very different from those faced by the previous generation because college costs are at an all-time high while income and wealth of most American families has been declining.“Things have got to where hunger and homelessness can undermine a student’s ability to study.” Government programs providing cash assistance and food stamps (CalFresh) require participants work 20 to 30 hours per week, which prohibits many students from qualifying. The Foodbank is now supplying 700,000 pounds of nutritious food to SBCC, UCSB, and Allan Hancock College a year.