In Riverside, a new resource has emerged to support families and residents accessing healthy and nutritious food. This initiative isn’t just another grocery store or health food market, but a fresh choice pantry established by Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB).
The choice pantry provides a welcoming environment, filled with fresh produce and wholesome products. Many who visit leave with grocery carts brimming with items that contribute positively to their health and well-being.
According to Carolyn Fajardo, the CEO of FARSB, the opening of this pantry brought tears of joy to many recipients grateful for the opportunity to choose their own groceries—a significant step in restoring dignity to those facing food insecurity.
“Choice pantries are doing fantastic work because they are bringing back dignity to people who need food assistance,” said Fajardo.
FARSB is the largest hunger relief organization in the Inland Empire, serving over 300,000 people monthly. As sister food banks within the Feeding America network, FARSB and FIND Food Bank serve complementary areas to address the broader needs of the region—FIND focusing on meeting the distinct needs of the Coachella Valley, while FARSB focuses on the broader needs of the rest of Riverside and San Bernardino Counties—ensuring that the entire region has access to vital resources.
Both organizations are participating in IEHP Foundation’s Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network, a two-year leadership development program for 40 Inland Empire nonprofits addressing the social drivers of health for families across the region.
Within five focus pillars, FARSB has 12 hunger relief programs that focus on various demographics, including veterans, seniors, and school-aged children, and initiatives aimed at education and healthcare.
One of the standout pillars is the Feeding with Healthcare pillar, which emphasizes that food can be used as medicine—an idea increasingly supported by research. This pillar collaborates with local medical organizations, including the Soboba Indian Clinic, Riverside Free Clinic and the Riverside University Health System, to integrate healthcare and food access. Patients can benefit from a no-cost farmer’s market where they select fresh fruits and vegetables or receive referrals to the Fresh Start Pantry by Goodman to obtain food tailored to their health needs.
Traditional food distribution methods often fall short in addressing cultural preferences and specific dietary requirements, making choice pantries vital in addressing the root causes of poor health. The Feeding with Healthcare pillar allows families and individuals to choose foods to help manage chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
In addition to providing direct food access, FARSB partners with over 250 nonprofits throughout the Inland Empire. These partner organizations effectively “shop” at the food bank’s distribution warehouse, which operates similarly to a Costco, allowing nonprofit partners to select food that meets their community’s specific needs and distribute it at events and food distribution programs.
“In our warehouse, you’ll find diverse food requests driven by individual community needs,” said Fajardo. “We partner with these nonprofits because they know their communities better than we do.”
Notable partners in this initiative include Sahaba Initiative and Catholic Charities Riverside and San Bernardino, both of which are part of the IEHP Foundation’s Leadership Network.
Through their collaboration with FARSB, the Sahaba Initiative has served 350 families weekly, playing a crucial role in food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During the pandemic, the need for healthy food was clear, and we managed to distribute 1,500 food boxes in a single day,” said Malek Bendlehoum, co-founder and CEO of Sahaba Initiative. “Partnerships like the one we have with FARSB are instrumental in our journey to end hunger in the Inland Empire.”
The work of local food banks like Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino goes beyond providing food access; they foster opportunities and a sense of community for residents facing food insecurity.
One story that stands out for Fajardo is that of a grandmother and the wife of a disabled veteran who was caring for two of her grandchildren. She simply wanted every grandmother’s desire to be able to feed her family when they stopped by for a visit.
“When my grandchildren come, they don’t just drop by; they stay and eat,” she said with a smile.
Fajardo noted that this particular woman was incredibly appreciative of the food she received. She often found ways to pay it forward, such as placing extra items in a community food-sharing box or giving food to a paraplegic neighbor who struggles to access meals.
Like many food banks nationwide, the mission isn’t just about providing food; it’s about restoring hope and dignity to those who need it most.
Feeding America San Bernardino | Riverside is one of 40 organizations participating in IEHP Foundation’s Inaugural Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network, a two-year leadership development program for Inland Empire community-based organizations (CBOs) that address the social determinants of health.