fEED THE VALLEY

In March 2020, our small, family-run restaurant was turned upside-down by the Covid-19 pandemic and economic recession. We quickly made it our mission to retain all staff and to ensure they had the financial means to support their families. Almost immediately, friends and neighbors began to reach out with ideas that could save our business. 

The most compelling, for us, was to have our team cook for members of our community currently experiencing food insecurity—a concept we called “Feed the Valley.” After pilot testing the concept and gaining valuable insights with experts at local hospitals and family services agencies, we were able to formally launch this nonprofit initiative in partnership with the Santa Barbara Foundation, as well as with respected local charities.

Even as the health risks of the pandemic recede, the lasting effects—namely, unemployment and food insecurity—will continue to impact members of our community for months and years to come. Through your tax-deductible donations, we can help save countless jobs at independent restaurants and support local families with nutritious, heartfelt cooking. By acting together, we can both preserve the Valley we love and plant seeds of generosity that will continue to bloom for many seasons to come.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Beyond our own restaurants and non-profit initiatives, one of our core values at Bell’s is to continually highlight the local organizations and nonprofits that we are excited to partner with and support. We hope you can find some time to learn about them, and thank you for any interest you may take in their programs.