Emergency Food Network Mobilizes as SNAP Benefits End for 46,000 Riverside Households

Federal nutrition assistance ended abruptly Saturday for 46,649 Riverside households, leaving 16,100 children, 21,627 adults, and 8,922 seniors without SNAP benefits and the promise of partial payments beginning to be delivered today.

City Council responded Tuesday with unanimous approval of $100,000 in emergency food funding, partnering with The Salvation Army to distribute aid to 500-700 families. But with the crisis affecting 13% of all SNAP recipients in Riverside County, local organizations are scrambling to fill the gap.

"Many households, including our seniors and low-income individuals, are experiencing financial hardship due to the delay or loss of federal benefits," said Michelle Davis, director of Housing and Human Services, during Tuesday's council meeting.

Where to Find Help Now

The Salvation Army, selected as the city's emergency partner, operates its main food assistance from 3695 1st Street. The organization runs food pantries Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon in Riverside and noon to 3 p.m. in Moreno Valley. Residents seeking emergency aid must show city residency and either a current SNAP beneficiary letter or federal ID. Call 951-784-4490 for information.

For immediate help, St. Michael's Episcopal Ministry Center at 4070 Jackson Street provides emergency food bags Tuesday through Thursday during office hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Their Thursday morning food truck distribution begins at 8:30 a.m.

"Food truck usually arrives at 9 a.m. on Thursday. Food goes out quickly. Come by 8:30 to receive a number," explained The Rev. Canon Mary Crist, EdD. The distribution includes coffee, light breakfast, and used clothing.

Community Settlement Association (CSA) continues its regular Monday and Wednesday distributions from 11 a.m. to noon at 4366 Bermuda Avenue, with emergency appointments available by calling 951-686-6266 ext. 101.

"We strive to create a welcoming, respectful environment for everyone," CSA officials said, noting they also provide Medi-Cal and CalFresh application assistance alongside food distribution.

Trinity Lutheran Church at 5969 Brockton Avenue, which has been helping the community since 1893, offers multiple weekly services: free dinner Mondays from 5-6 p.m., food pantry boxes Wednesdays at 9 a.m., and free breakfast Saturdays from 8-9 a.m. The church also provides free showers and clothing every Thursday at 10 a.m., food bags for the homeless, and Christmas gifts for families in need. All services welcome families.

Recognizing the increased need, CSA has scheduled major distributions throughout November. The organization will partner with Music Changing Lives on Nov. 12 and 26 from 8 to 10 a.m. to distribute over 20,000 pounds of food each day. Additional fresh produce distributions are set for Nov. 20 from 9 to 11 a.m., providing more than 40,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables.

Several churches maintain weekly meal programs. St. Michael's serves lunch Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Calvary Presbyterian Church at 4495 Magnolia Avenue offers hot meals Sundays from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Central Community Christian Fellowship, recognizing the approaching holiday, announced free Thanksgiving Day meals on campus from noon to 2 p.m. Residents can request meals in advance by calling 951-689-5806 Tuesday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How You Can Help

Organizations report urgent needs for both volunteers and specific items as demand increases.

St. Michael's most needs canned foods with pull-tab tops, boxed meals like macaroni and cheese, pasta with sauce, canned meats, fruits and milk, diapers of all sizes, and hygiene items. Donations can be dropped at 4070 Jackson Street or mailed to that address.

"Our most urgent needs right now are volunteers to assist with food sorting, packing, and distribution, as well as donations of non-perishable food items and financial contributions to help us purchase fresh food in bulk," CSA officials said.

Path of Life has joined a food drive hosted by Inland SoCal United Way to help replenish food banks struggling to keep up with demand. The organization specifically needs: cereal, peanut butter, beans (canned and dry), enriched rice and pasta, powdered milk, shelf-stable fruit juice, canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned meat and fish, canned ready-to-eat meals, canned tomato products, granola bars, trail mix, instant soup cups, beef jerky, applesauce cups, and peanut butter crackers. Drop off donations at 1240 Palmyrita Ave., Suite A, Riverside, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 951-786-9048. For larger donations, contact Debbie Rose at drose@thepathoflife.com. The organization notes that grocery gift cards help residents who cannot reach food banks due to work hours or transportation issues.

All Saints Episcopal Church at 3847 Terracina Drive specifically requests gift cards for emergency assistance, which provide immediate help to families in crisis. Contact them at 951-683-8466 or AllSaintsR@gmail.com.

Starting Over, Inc. seeks volunteers for their bimonthly distributions on the second and fourth Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at 6355 Riverside Avenue. Contact them at 951-898-0862 or office@startingoverinc.org.

Complete Food Resource Schedule

Daily (Tuesday-Thursday):

• St. Michael's Episcopal: Emergency food bags, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., 4070 Jackson St.

Monday:

• Trinity Lutheran Church: Free dinner 5-6 p.m., 5969 Brockton Ave.

Monday/Wednesday:

• Community Settlement Association: 11 a.m.-noon, 4366 Bermuda Ave.

Tuesday/Thursday/Friday:

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help: Food Pantry 10 a.m.-noon, 5250 Central Ave.

Wednesday:

• Trinity Lutheran Church: Food pantry boxes 9 a.m., 5969 Brockton Ave.
• La Sierra University Church: 8-10 a.m., 4920 Sierra Vista Ave. (92505 residents only)
• Central Community Christian Fellowship: 8-10 a.m. drive-thru, 5623 Arlington Ave.
• Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church: 9:30-11:30 a.m. by appointment 951- 625-4531, 5320 Victoria Ave.

Wednesday/Friday:

• The Salvation Army: 9 a.m.-noon

Thursday:

• Trinity Lutheran Church: Free showers and clothing 10 a.m., 5969 Brockton Ave.
• St. Michael's food truck: 8:30 a.m., 4070 Jackson St.
• Queen of Angels Catholic Church: 9-10 a.m., 4824 Jones Ave.
• Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church: 9:30-11:30 a.m. by appointment 951- 625-4531, 5320 Victoria Ave.

Saturday:

• Trinity Lutheran Church: Free breakfast 8-9 a.m., 5969 Brockton Ave.

Saturday (2nd and 4th):

• Starting Over, Inc.: 8 a.m.-noon, 6355 Riverside Ave.

Sunday:

• Calvary Presbyterian: Hot Meals and Clothing/Shoe Closet 4-5:30 p.m., 4495 Magnolia Ave.

For a complete list of resources, visit riversideca.gov. Regional assistance is available at feedingamericaie.org. Call or text 211 for statewide help.

"There is no judgment or shame in needing and accepting help," Cervantes said during Tuesday's meeting. "We are all neighbors in this City... everyone deserves to have access to food.