Anonymous
Source: Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County is asking the community to help replace equipment damaged in an accident on October 15, 2018 that resulted in total losses of a refrigerated food transport truck, and the electric pallet jack and food that was on board. Estimated cost to replace lost equipment and food is $145,000.
In order to continue normal operations, the Foodbank will also have to lease a truck for three months until a replacement arrives.
An anonymous donor has pledged a $50,000 matching gift that requires the Foodbank to raise an additional $50,000 in individual donations. Several donors have already pledged $4,000 toward replacements costs.
Aera Energy, LLC, has offered to fund a full-service lease payment for November and December 2018 and January 2019 while the new truck is procured. On Thursday, November 15 at 9am at the Santa Maria warehouse, 490 West Foster Road, team members from Aera Energy will present the Foodbank with a check for $8,658 to cover rental truck costs.
“We so grateful for the support that has already come from our friends at Aera Energy, individuals and our generous anonymous donor with the matching gift,” noted Foodbank CEO Erik Talkin. ”In the thick of the holiday season, we see hunger increase as local food production and tourism slow down and many working people in our county face reduced work hours and wages.”
“Losing a truck as useful as ‘Old Reliable’ at this time poses a real impediment to meeting the needs of those facing hunger in our community through our programs and our 300 non-profit partners,” added Foodbank director of operations Paul Wilkins. “Logistics have been impaired since the accident.”
To contribute, the public may donate online at or by sending a check made out to Foodbank of Santa Barbara County to either 4554 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, 93110 or 490 West Foster Road, Santa Maria, 93455. Credit card payments may be taken by phone at (805) 937-3422 x 106.
The Foodbank is aiming to purchase a 2018 Hino 268A Refrigerated Box Truck, outfitted with a liftgate that will allow pick ups from smaller growers, support easier and a greater variety of collection by the Backyard Bounty Program, and enable distributions to smaller agencies that lack a loading dock. Refrigeration reduces food waste by slowing spoilage and keeping fresh produce safe and delicious longer.
The new truck will also have emission technology compliant with Title 13 “Truck and Bus Rule” and will advance the Foodbank’s commitment to a healthy food ecosystem in Santa Barbara County.
In fiscal year 2018, the Foodbank distributed 10 million pounds of food, including 4 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables, to more than 173,000 unduplicated clients throughout Santa Barbara County. With these large volumes of food and fresh produce, this grant-funded truck will address the primary concern to maintain consistent levels of food quality and food safety that our programs, partners and clients rely on.
Wait a minute… Didn’t they have vehicle insurance on the truck involved in the collision…? Seems unethical to ask for a replacement cost of a new truck when their insurance carrier should have covered that… Where am I wrong here?
They might just have had liability insurance on the truck. Like many people have on an older car.
This truck is an upgrade, like they say in the story, and it will enable them to do more. Also there was equipment that may not be covered. If you can and desire to give do so, if not then don’t.
you’re not, they should have had insurance on the vehicle otherwise it wouldnt be allowed on the road. liability only, for a charity? sounds like a dumb move.