Feeding America Calls On RivCo Residents To Volunteer, Donate Or Host A Food Drive In September

RIVERSIDE, CA — September is Hunger Action Month, and national nonprofit Feeding America is urging Riverside and San Bernardino County residents to participate amid massive cuts to social safety net programs in recent months.

The nonprofit says food insecurity in the U.S. has reached its highest rate in more than a decade, with 47 million people facing hunger, including 14 million children.

In Riverside County, some 12.4 percent of the population is facing insecurity, while 14.7 percent are food insecure in San Bernardino County, according to Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB).

“With critical programs facing funding cuts, your support is needed now more than ever,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of FARSB. “Join us in raising awareness and taking action this Hunger Action Month to ensure no neighbor goes without a meal."

Residents across the Inland Empire can get involved through the following efforts:

• Give Funds: Every $25 can provide up to 125 meals.
• Give Food: Host a food drive in your city.
• Give Time: Volunteer at a Feeding America food bank or client-choice pantry by contacting VolunteerTeam@feedingamericaie.org

“People across the country have demonstrated immense care for their neighbors in crisis time and time again, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “Ending the hunger crisis in America is no different. When we all work together, alongside our neighbors facing hunger, we can find solutions to ensure that everyone has the food they need to thrive. This Hunger Action Month, our hope for the nation is to start building this new reality together, through unified action toward a shared vision of a hunger-free America.”

The Inland Empire chapter of Feeding America opened in 1980 as Survive Food Bank in response to an increasing concern about hunger and food waste in both counties.

Today, FARSB is the primary food source for over 250 local nonprofit organizations, the organization said. The local chapter distributes more than 3.1 million pounds of food monthly to emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, high-need elementary schools, senior centers, after-school programs and more.