Backyard Harvest aims to share the edible abundance of the Santa Barbara community with those that need it the most. Our ideal climate and plentiful resources typically lead to a profusion of food that often results in excess. Backyard Harvest serves to capture that abundance and redirect it into the food system by donating it to our in-need residents. This recycling of food essentially converts waste into needed nutrition while simultaneously addressing the numerous ecological benefits of local food production. The resulting synergy of social, environmental and health benefits reflects the diverse and vital role Backyard Harvest serves in the enhancement of our community. 

We are all hearing more about "local food" or the "local food movement." Known as the collaborative effort to build a more locally based, self-reliant food economy—one in which sustainable food production, processing, distribution and consumption are integrated to enhance the economic, environmental and social health of a particular place.

Backyard Harvest offers countless opportunities to participate in this movement. Residential and commercial property owners can become members of out "farm community" by donating the excess food growing on their properties. Students of all ages can participate in our Service Learning and Community Building Programs and people of all ages can volunteer to help harvest the much needed nutritious food for our challenged neighbors.

Join Backyard Harvest and become a part of Santa Barbara's move towards a more sustainable and secure food future.