The Foodbank of Santa Barbara County has launched a fundraiser to replace a refrigerated truck that crashed near Vandenberg Air Force Base on Monday.
The truck was traveling from the Foodbank's Santa Maria warehouse to the Boys & Girls Club in Lompoc for a food distribution event. It was carrying about 4,600 pounds, or $6,500 worth of produce, rice, beans, cheese, milk, cereal, and water.
While making a left-hand turn at the intersection in front of the base's main gate, the truck flipped onto its side.
According to the Foodbank, the truck was not speeding and it was not overloaded. The driver and passenger, both National Guard members, were not injured.
The Foodbank is now raising money to replace the totaled truck and purchase an additional truck to help with the increase in food deliveries. The Fooodbank says its distribution efforts have doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The fundraising goal is $240,000. A new truck will reportedly cost about $130,000. The Foodbank received about $20,000 from insurance to cover the totaled truck. They are also looking to cover the cost of the lost food.
To make a donation, click here.
Yardi Systems is matching all donations up to $50,000.
