Food Assistance in the Inland Empire

 

The ongoing shutdown of the federal government has led to a shortage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In California, this means that nearly 5.5 million people will go without CalFresh benefits. That includes almost 400,000 San Bernardino County residents.

 

If you would like to learn more about the impact CalFresh has on the families, retailers, and local economies in California communities, you can view the CAFB Economic Dashboard.

 

What is California Doing?

The State of California has sued the federal administration, challenging its decision not to use contingency funding for SNAP benefits. Though the courts have sided with California on this challenge, there is a great deal of uncertainty about how the administration will respond. 

 

The State of California has provided $80 million in emergency funding to assist Californians looking for critical food supplies in these unprecedented times. California has also mobilized our National Guard and California Volunteers to help distribute food and resources to our communities in need. 

 

Where Can I Find Food?

If you need assistance during this challenging time, call 2-1-1 or click the links below to be connected with local food banks:

 

SAN BERNARDINO FOOD BANKS
CALIFORNIA FOOD BANKS

 

How Can I Help?

If you are looking for ways to help the communities around you, here are some options: 

 

  • Monetary donations: Donating money is the most effective way to help food banks provide food to our neighbors. Food banks can often purchase highly nutritious food for pennies on the pound. Monetary contributions also cover program costs like staff salaries, gas for delivery trucks, and repairs if refrigerators and freezers break.

 

  • Volunteering: Community members can also volunteer at their local food bank. Volunteers can work in warehouses, help in offices, or assist with CalFresh outreach. 

 

  • Donating food: Food banks also accept dry and canned food donations that are “shelf-stable” or nonperishable. Donated foods must not be past their "sell-by" date. 

 

Because every food bank has different needs and capacities, it's best to reach out to your local food bank to find out what they need. The food banks serving your communities can be found here or by calling 2-1-1 for 24/7 support in connecting you to local food and community services.

 

If you have further questions, please feel free to call our district office at (909) 888-5360.