By Brooke Holland, Noozhawk Staff Writer | @NoozhawkNews | September 21, 2019 | 1:49 p.m.

Strawberries, lettuce and other fruits, vegetables and food will be available at two new Foodbank of Santa Barbara County distribution sites in Santa Barbara, beginning Monday. The expansion is in response to the temporary closure of Unity Shoppe. (Foodbank of Santa Barbara County photo)

In response to Unity Shoppe’s temporary shutdown, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is offering fresh produce and food items to anyone who needs it, starting Monday.

The nonprofit Foodbank is working with community partners to ensure all residents have enough food to eat while supplemental resources are limited, said Judith Smith-Meyer, the organization’s marketing communications manager.

Citing a financial crisis, Unity Shoppe — which has served local low-income families, children and elderly for more than a century — announced earlier this week that it would shutter its 1401 Chapala St. site until November. It’s the first temporary closure in its history.

In response to Unity Shoppe’s temporary shutdown, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is offering fresh produce and food items to anyone who needs it, starting Monday.

The nonprofit Foodbank is working with community partners to ensure all residents have enough food to eat while supplemental resources are limited, said Judith Smith-Meyer, the organization’s marketing communications manager.

Citing a financial crisis, Unity Shoppe — which has served local low-income families, children and elderly for more than a century — announced earlier this week that it would shutter its 1401 Chapala St. site until November. It’s the first temporary closure in its history.

The Foodbank will open distribution sites in Santa Barbara between 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Westside Neighborhood Center, 423 W. Victoria St., and from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at Catholic Charities, 609 E. Haley St.

No paperwork is required, Smith-Meyer said.

“We are planning to keep them (distribution sites) open as long as need continues, and Unity Shoppe reopens and is able to fully resume their services,” Smith-Meyer told Noozhawk. “We expect attendance at the sites to increase over the coming week as word gets out that the food is available.”

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