Isla Vista also has some wild-growing free fruit trees and bushes along the sidewalks and in the parks. Blackberries in August 2009, by Britta Gustafson (CC BY-SA).
These are organizations and groups in or near Isla Vista who offer free food, showers, and laundry to support fellow community members.
Additional lists with more information about free resources:
- UCSB Student Affairs - food resources
- UCSB Associated Students Food Bank - food banks and prepared meals
- UCSB Pardall Center - food and clothing
- City of Santa Barbara - basic needs
- Santa Barbara County Food Bank - food and meals
Resource guide
May 2017 Helping Hands resource guide, page 1. Downloadable version: Isla Vista and Goleta Resource Guide.pdf
May 2017 Helping Hands resource guide, page 2. Downloadable version: Isla Vista and Goleta Resource Guide.pdf
Weekly
Saturday
Saturday Open Community Brunch at Perfect Park (by the Perfect Park Peace Monument), at 10:30am. Food: buffet-style brunch and beverages.
Sunday
Light and Life at Embarcadero Hall at 10 am. Food: coffee and pastries, and/or food from Chipotle.
Food Not Bombs at Little Acorn Park at 5 pm. Food: full meal.
St. Michael's Cafe Picasso Brunch, Sunday Brunch at 12:30 pm (6586 Picasso Road), Cafe Picasso. Primarily for UCSB students.
Monday
Hillel Giveaway (Food for Angels) at the Hillel parking lot (781 Embarcadero del Mar) at 3 pm. Food: giveaway boxes with a variety of food choices.
Shower at St. Michael's (6586 Picasso Rd). Mobile shower from 2:30-5 pm. More information: Showers of Blessing.
Community Dinner at St. Michael's (6586 Picasso Rd) at 5 pm during Daylight Savings Time (4:30 pm during winter months). Food: full meal and more food giveaways. More information: St. Brigid Fellowship, St. Michael's programs.
Tuesday
Dinner at United Methodist Church at 5 pm. Food: sit-down dinner.
Wednesday
Mac & Jesus at Little Acorn Park at 5 pm. Food: various.
Shower and lunch at St. Athanasius Church (300 Sumida Gardens Ln, on Hollister, via #6 or #11 bus). Mobile shower and food (sandwiches) from 11 am - 1 pm. More information: Showers of Blessing.
Thursday
Catholic Charities Grocery Program at St. Mark's (6550 Picasso Rd.) at 2 pm. Food: giveaway boxes.
St. Michael's Cafe Picasso Dinner, Thursdays from 5 pm to 6 pm (6586 Picasso Road), Cafe Picasso. Primarily for UCSB students.
Friday
Shower at St. Michael's (6586 Picasso Rd). Mobile shower from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. More information: Showers of Blessing.
Jesus Burgers, Friday nights from 10:30 pm to 12 am (6686 Del Playa).
Monthly
Last Monday of the month
Goleta Valley Community Center at 12 pm. Food: various food and a gift card. If someone brings someone else, they receive a gift card as well. Plus there are other supplies, etc.
Last Tuesday of the month
Laundry Love with St. Brigid Fellowship at Isla Vista Laundromat at 5 pm. Food: Domino's Pizza.
First Thursday of the month
Isla Vista Youth Projects Distribution (Isla Vista Elementary School), every 1st Thursday at 3:30pm-5:30pm.
First Saturday of the month
The Good Shepard Lutheran Church, church parking lot at 380 North Fairview, every first Saturday of the month at 9:00 am
