The Santa Barbara chapter of Backyard Harvest began operations in June of 2008 as a non-profit project of the Unity Shoppe. Since then, we have been able to harvested and collected almost 85,000 lbs of fresh local fruits and vegetable that normally would have gone to waste, and re-directed this much need nutrition onto the tables of our less fortunate neighbors. The Unity Shoppe collaberates with 300 local social service providers and have extended assistance to over 20,000 individual families, children and seniors in need or crisis this past year. Once referred to the Unity Shoppe, they are provided clothing, household items, furniture, toys and groceries, all free of charge. The latter has historically been comprised of de-natured and highly processed foods, therefore the fresh fruit and vegetables provided by Backyard Harvest are a welcome compliment. This collaberation represents an ideal partnership as Backyard Harvest directly supplies the much needed healthy products, while Unity Shoppe continues to meet the demand of the complex food distribution system. This mutually beneficial relationship is reflected in the fact that food is harvested and collected by Backyard Harvest and eaten by community residence in need the very same day.