IE's Food As Medicine Program Enters Final Year With Feeding America: Lessons Learned, More Still To Do

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Food as Medicine, a program by Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino (FARSB), has delivered innovative solutions at the intersection of hunger and health over a three-year initiative, made possible by a $14.1 million grant from the Elevance Health Foundation. The grant has supported local partnerships between food banks and over 30 healthcare providers nationwide to improve access to nutritious food for individuals managing chronic health conditions. Now, in its final year, the ongoing evaluation will offer valuable insights into long-term health outcomes and help shape future food-based health, organizers say.

Launched locally in 2023 and in partnership with Riverside University Health System, San Bernardino Free Clinic, and CareMore Health OR Riverside University Health System, Riverside Free Clinic, Loma Linda VA Hospital, and Carelon Health, FARSB’s “Food as Medicine” program follows Feeding America’s screen – refer – nourish model that connects individuals in the Inland Empire identified as food insecure during healthcare visits with access to nutritious, medically tailored food and wraparound services, according to a recent news release.

Since launching the multi-year grant, the program in the Inland Empire has reached approximately 15,000 participants. More than 3,500 healthy meal boxes have been distributed and neighbor support has increased across the region, helping to manage various health conditions.

According to Carolyn Farjado, CEO of the FARSB program, partnerships are everything.

“Partnering with healthcare clinics to improve health outcomes through food assistance takes care of two issues at once, creating healthier individuals with adequate nutritious meals, while breaking down barriers to access healthy food options,” Fajardo said. “Food is essential, just like healthcare, and we’re ensuring both nutritious food options and physical health are improved, allowing our region to thrive."

Findings from the national report underscore the value of food as a key part of care:

• Over 100,000 neighbors who screened positive for food insecurity received nutritious food from a participating food bank

• Nearly 70% of participants reported a chronic health condition at enrollment

• Participants described improved eating habits, emotional well-being, and greater confidence in managing their health

• Clinical outcomes included an average of 1.5% reduction in A1C for those managing diabetes

This “Food as Medicine” initiative is one of the most significant national efforts to formally integrate food access into healthcare systems, reflecting a growing recognition among healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders of the critical role food plays in health outcomes. The 21 participating food banks have tailored programs to local needs, offering services like onsite food pantries, mobile food distributions, onsite emergency food packages, food prescription voucher programs and home delivery services that support whole-person well-being.

"This work builds on a three-year grant that has enabled FARSB to expand food access and increase the number of food-insecure households we support through our FoodRx program," a spokesperson said. "As the initiative enters its final year, ongoing evaluation will offer valuable insights into long-term health outcomes and help shape future food-based health interventions that advance equity and reduce disparities."

FARSB is proud to be a part of this innovative initiative and remains committed to advancing food as a tool for dignity, wellness, and long-term community health.

To learn more about FARSB’s “Food as Medicine” work, visit FeedingIE.org/healthcare, and to access the full national report, visit www.feedingamerica.org/foodasmedicine2.