RIVERSIDE, CA – This September, duringHunger Action Month (HAM), Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is joining the nationwide Feeding America network in calling on the Inland Empire (IE) community to Play Your Part. As the cost of essentials like groceries and energy continue toput pressure on household budgets, everyone can take action to help ensure their neighbors have access to the food they need to thrive.
“Together we can end hunger,” said Denis McDonough, CEO of Feeding America. “It takes people looking out for each other, especially now, asso many families are navigating difficult tradeoffs necessitated by high food prices. This Hunger Action Month, we’re asking everyone to show up for their neighbors facing hunger and play their part. Whether you give, volunteer, speak up, or support your communityin another way, your action matters. When neighbors care for neighbors, we strengthen our communities.”
According to the latest data available from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap study, 48 million people, including more than 14 million children,experienced food insecurity in 2024, the highest level since 2014. Of the communities FARSB serves, we see food insecurity range from a low of 13.8% in Riverside County to a high of 15.6% in San Bernardino County.
“Ending hunger is only going to happen if our entire community acts together to create lasting change that addresses root causes of hunger,”said Vanesa Rangel-Mercado, Interim CEO at FARSB. “We invite anyone willing to play a part in the solution to turn a single action into impactful, collective action this September.”
People can get involved locally by donating at FeedingIE.org/hungeractionor through the actions below:
- Give Food: Host a food drive to collect canned goods.
- Give Funds: Donate funds or set up a peer-to-peer fundraiser to ask your community to donate to your fundraiser as a group.
- Give Time: Register for a volunteer shift at our Riverside warehouse.
- Give Voice: Advocate for hunger-relief policies that boost our mission.
Learn more about how you can take action by visiting: FeedingIE.org/hungeraction
