ABOUT US · OUR STORY
It started with a farm stand and a sign.
Summerland lost its last grocery store years ago. Our founder, Leslie Person Ryan, was farming land here without chemicals when it was threatened by development. Neighbors across Summerland and Santa Barbara came together and raised the money to save it, and we opened the Sweet Wheel Farm Stand on Lillie Avenue.
At the farm stand, we had a serendipitous experience. One of our farm stand workers disclosed, after working for us for three days, that her mother wanted her to work for us because they did not have food at home. We came to a new realization. If there were kids like her, there were others. We put up a sign: did anyone know a family that needed food?
Neighbors answered. So did VNA Health, the public library, parents and local schools. We started packing bags from the harvest and delivering them, at first to 53 people a week. We cooked 1,800 meals for local veterans.
In 2020 we formed the Santa Barbara Agriculture and Farm Education Foundation so the work could keep growing. Seven years after the first deliveries, every bag still carries the same promise: we will see you next week.
How we grew
First: Community saves the farmland from development
Then: Sweet Wheel Farm Stand opens on Lillie Avenue
The first bags: 53 people a week, and 1,800 meals for veterans
2020: The Foundation is formed as a 501(c)(3)
Today: 5,000 full meals a week to over 1,500 people
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO NEEDS FOOD?
You can nominate someone anonymously.
— The sign at our farm stand, where the food project began.
5,000
full meals every week
1,500+
people fed each week, across the county
150+
delivery locations every week
170
families on our waitlist today
“Sweet Wheel Farm has been a godsend. I reached out and immediately they were there to help. … My situation is a bit embarrassing, yet they have been discreet and respectful.”
R.D., FOOD RECIPIENT
WAYS TO HELP
Thank you for helping us see every family next week.
Give
Your gift goes to growing, packing and delivering food, and to reaching the 170 families waiting for a spot.
Volunteer
Harvest on the farm, pack bags, or help with deliveries. Volunteers are welcome every day, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Need food?
If you or someone you know needs food, call us. We start with an intake interview and income and health verification. Atendemos en español.