Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) has been recognized in the national media outlet, Food Bank News, and its annual Advocacy High Honor Roll that lists food banks that have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) resources available, an advocacy page, community calls to action for contacting legislators, and policy priorities supported by the food bank displayed on its website.
“Advocacy work is imperative to supporting our neighbors, especially in uncertain times as SNAP changes are affecting families nationwide,” says Vanesa Rangel-Mercado, Interim CEO at FARSB. “Keeping our community aware of changing policies that affect our operations ensures that supporters can choose to advocate on our behalf for greater impact on the Inland Empire (IE) and beyond.”
Of the top 100 food banks ranked by revenue, FARSB ranked in the top 50 for offering multiple digital advocacy options for community members looking to support food assistance. With a dedicated page for CalFresh – California’s name for SNAP – assistance, neighbors can use its website to check for eligibility, get application assistance, and access Spanish translation services to help apply through their country of residence.
This report highlights a trend of food banks becoming more active in the advocacy space, as there were just 33 food banks making the list in 2022. Much of this change can be attributed to the implementation of HR-1 and its effects on federal funding and SNAP benefits. Several changes have been made, with more upcoming, so food banks like FARSB have stepped in to disseminate information to their community to help limit the impact on families.
See the full list on the special report: High Honor Roll
To learn more about FARSB advocacy, visit www.FeedingIE.org/advocate
Photo Credit: Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino
About Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino
Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is leading the fight against hunger in the Inland Empire by providing food access, emergency relief, education, and advocacy to families in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. FARSB opened in 1980 as Survive Food Bank in response to the increasing concern about the dual problems of hunger and food waste in the Inland Empire. Today, FARSB is the primary food source for nearly 250 local nonprofit organizations, distributing over 3.3 million pounds of food monthly to emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, high-need elementary schools, senior centers, after-school programs, and more. With the help of these community partners, they make up the largest hunger-relief organization serving Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, ultimately making food security a reality for over one million households every year. Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino proudly holds the 2026 GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of transparency achievable through GuideStar. For more information, visit http://www.FeedingIE.org
Contact:
Rachel Bonilla
951-359-4757 ext. 117
# # #