Food Bank's Hunger Resource Center Marks First Year, Assists 2,100 with CalFresh Applications

The Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) Hunger Resource Center has completed its first year of operation, during which staff helped submit more than 2,100 CalFresh applications and served an average of 200 households monthly through its pantry.

The center, which opened as the food bank's second building, houses a learning center, the Fresh Start Pantry by Goodman, and a CalFresh Resource Center. The pantry began serving clients in January 2025.

"This journey has allowed us to strengthen our connection with our community, offer more intentional services, and become a beacon of hope," FARSB CEO Carolyn Fajardo said. "We're excited to keep adapting to meet emerging needs."

The facility represents a major expansion for FARSB, housing the organization's first on-site choice pantry and relocating administrative staff to the new location. The center has hosted resource fairs, cooking demonstrations and child nutrition education classes during its first year.

The expansion also created more than 100 new volunteer opportunities, including 27 shifts for the Grab n' Go child hunger program and four weekly shifts for pantry assistance and restocking.

FARSB serves as the primary food source for more than 250 nonprofit organizations in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, distributing more than 3.1 million pounds of food monthly. The organization was founded in 1980 as Survive Food Bank.

More information: To learn more about Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, visit FeedingIE.org.