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