A new national report from Feeding America® spotlights Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino (FARSB) as one of many food banks across the country delivering innovative solutions at the intersection of hunger and health through their “Food as Medicine” program. The three-year initiative, made possible by a $14.1 million grant from Elevance Health Foundation, supports local partnerships between food banks and over 30 healthcare providers across the country to improve access to nutritious food for people managing chronic health conditions.
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.
Since launching the multi-year grant, the program in the Inland Empire has:
- Reached almost 15,000 participants
- Distributed over 3,540 healthy meal boxes
- Supported neighbors in managing various health conditions
“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,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of FARSB. “Food is essential, just like healthcare, and we’re ensuring both nutritious food options and physical health are improved, allowing our region to thrive,” Fajardo continued…