FARSB STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY HEALTH THROUGH “FOOD AS MEDICINE” PARTNERSHIP
FARSB, Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and Feeding America highlight how nutritious food supports better health during National Nutrition Month®
Riverside, CA – March 17th, 2026 – Food is a powerful tool for better health, especially as people facing hunger experience higher rates of chronic illness and higher health care costs. During National Nutrition Month in March®, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino (FARSB) is joining the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, an affiliated arm of the Elevance Health Foundation, and Feeding America to highlight how health starts with what’s on your plate.
Launched in 2023, FARSB’s “Food as Medicine” program helps neighbors facing hunger access dietitian-designed meals with culturally relevant foods that match their tastes and medical needs, including medically tailored foods for diet-related illnesses. These supports are especially important as many families are forced to make impossible choices between food and health care, that make it harder to maintain their health.
“Access to fresh, nutritious food is limited for many Inland Empire (IE) families, which can lead to serious health challenges over time,” says Joanna Solorio, Interim CEO at FARSB. “We are committed to making healthy food easily accessible to neighbors in need, overcoming geographical barriers, and supporting the long-term health and well-being of entire families.”
Together with CareMore Health, Loma Linda VA Hospital, Riverside University Health System (RUHS), and Riverside Free Clinic (RFC), FARSB screens neighbors for food insecurity, provides referrals to nutritious meals, and delivers resources in ways that help remove barriers and respect choice. Food boxes are provided to patients deemed food-insecure and consist of nutrient-rich groceries aimed at improving health outcomes and supporting preventative health measures through proper nutrition. The “Food as Medicine” program, a Feeding America initiative funded by the Anthem Foundation, is helping FARSB strengthen community well-being.
“Access to nutritious food is essential to good health,” said Dr. David Pryor, Chief Medical Officer, Anthem Blue Cross in California. “Through our partnership with FARSB and Riverside University Health System, we’re proud to advance a Food as Medicine approach that helps improve health and long-term well-being in the Inland Empire.”
Food and Health programs across the Feeding America network are showing encouraging signs that these interventions can support improved health for families. By offering neighbors consistent access to nutritious foods, FARSB is helping lay the groundwork for better health outcomes and greater stability for households in the IE.
To learn more about FARSB, visit www.FeedingIE.org
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 3.1 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 2025 Guide Star Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of transparency achievable through Guide Star. For more information, visit http://www.FeedingIE.org
About the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation
The Anthem Blue Cross Foundation, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Association, is a philanthropic arm of the Elevance Health Foundation. The Foundation works to improve the health of the socially vulnerable through partnerships and programs in our communities with an emphasis on maternal-infant health; behavioral health; and food as medicine. Additionally, the Foundation also responds to disasters when our communities need us the most. ®ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbol are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. To learn more about the Anthem Blue Cross Foundation and the Elevance Health Foundation, please visit www.elevancehealth.foundation and its blog at www.medium.com/elevancehealthfoundation.
About Feeding America®
Rooted in the voices of neighbors facing hunger, Feeding America unites the country to ensure everyone has access to food and a thriving future. We support tens of millions of people as part of a nationwide network of 250+ food banks, 20+ statewide food bank associations, 10+ regional co-ops and 60,000+ agency partners, food pantries and meal programs. Powered by leaders and volunteers embedded in local communities, we are one of the nation’s most effective food distribution systems to drive immediate impact today –and a catalyst for long-term change through advocating for legislation that improves food security and work to address its factors. We partner with people experiencing food insecurity, policymakers, organizations and supporters, acting united with unwavering commitment to provide nourishing food and work to end hunger at its roots so everyone can live fuller, healthier lives. Visit FeedingAmerica.org to learn more.
Contact:
Rachel Bonilla
951-359-4757 ext. 117