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
