Just days after the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County enlisted humanitarian support from the National Guard, troops have already helped deliver hundreds of meals locally.
14 National Guard personnel with the 146th Airlift Wing's Medical Group began the food distribution Friday and it continued Saturday at Lompoc High School. The bags being distributed contained perishable and nonperishable foods like raisins, canned salmon and split peas.
“The reason we’re here is just so that we can give them their meals so they can avoid contact with other people and stay quarantined in their homes,” said Sergeant Joseph Magat with the California Air National Guard.
Sergeant Magat said his team was happy to step in when asked.
“When we deliver the food for the seniors citizen community, they thank us and all the neighbors are happy to see us delivering meals to the community," added Magat.
California Air National Guard personnel from the 146th Airlift Wing's Medical Group assisted @FoodbankSBC in their delivery of donated food to distribution centers in Santa Barbara passing out food and essential items to families and those in need. pic.twitter.com/PLmJ4vhdBw
— 146thAirliftWing (@146AirliftWing) March 28, 2020
According to the Food Bank, the troops will also help at permanent and temporary warehouses and with senior home food delivery.
The troops are among at least 10,000 service members activated by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month to provide short-term help at local food banks.
