The Salvation Army recognizes the importance of food security for people and families across the Inland Empire. The Salvation Army has a well-established network of resources, volunteers, and supporters that continue to facilitate the operation of a food pantry in Riverside and Moreno Valley. We do this by leveraging the existing infrastructure of the Salvation Army which streamlines the process and maximizes efficiency.

While most U.S. families enjoy a consistent supply of food for a healthy lifestyle, referred to as "food secure," there are instances where households face food insecurity, indicating that their access to adequate food is restricted due to insufficient funds and resources. According to a 2022 study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), households with very low food security reported the following conditions in the annual food security survey:

• 98% reported having worried their food would run out before they had money to buy more.
• 97% reported the food they bought just did not last, and they did not have money to get more.
• 96% reported they could not afford to eat balanced meals.
• 96% reported an adult had cut the size of meals or skipped meals because there was not enough money for food; 87% reported this had occurred in three or more months.
• 95% reported they had eaten less than they felt they should because there was not enough money for food. .
• 65% reported they had been hungry but did not eat because they could not afford enough food.
• 46% reported having lost weight because they did not have enough money for food.
• 29% reported an adult did not eat for a whole day because there was not enough money for food; 22% reported this had occurred in three or more

Overview:

Our pantries play a vital role in addressing hunger and food insecurity within communities of Moreno Valley and Riverside. This is accomplished by the following:

1. They provide access to nutritious food for individuals and families who may struggle to afford an adequate diet.
2. It serves as a lifeline for vulnerable populations, including low-income families, seniors, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those facing unexpected financial hardships.
3. It provides access to nutritious food which is essential for maintaining good health and well-being.
4. It fosters a sense of community and solidarity by bringing people together to support one another. They provide a space for neighbors to volunteer, donate, and connect with one another, strengthening social bonds and resilience.
5. It rescues surplus food from retailers, restaurants, and farms that would otherwise go to waste. By redistributing this food to those in need, food pantries contribute to efforts to reduce food waste and promote environmental sustainability.
6. It addresses systemic inequities, including poverty, racism, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities. Establishing food pantries is one way to address these underlying issues and work towards a more just and equitable society.
7. It plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness and response efforts, providing essential food supplies during natural disasters, economic downturns, and other emergencies.

Operations:

The food pantry operates on Wednesday and Friday 9am12pm in Riverside and 12pm-3pm in Moreno Valley of which aligns with the Salvation Army's mission and allows the organization to fulfill its commitment to meeting basic human needs, including food security.

The Salvation Army often takes a holistic approach to addressing the needs of individuals and families, providing not only food assistance but also other supportive services such as case management, rehabilitation treatment, housing assistance, life skills, and job training. A food pantry can serve as a gateway to accessing these comprehensive services.

The Salvation Army is known for its strong community presence and outreach efforts. Our food pantry serves as a focal point for engaging with the local community, building relationships, and identifying additional areas of need where the Salvation Army can provide support.

At our food pantry we provide opportunities for volunteers to get involved and make a meaningful impact in their community. The Salvation Army can mobilize its network of volunteers to staff the food pantry, sort and distribute food donations, and assist clients with accessing other services.

The Salvation Army food pantry can be a powerful way to address food insecurity, strengthen community connections, business partnerships, and advance the organization's mission of serving those in need. With the support of volunteers, donors, and community partners, a Salvation Army food pantry can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing hunger.

The Salvation Army has experience in building partnerships with local businesses, faith-based organizations, and community groups. These partnerships can help secure donations of food, funding, and other resources to support the food pantry's operations.

Sustainability:

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the expanded food pantry, we will:

1. Launch fundraising campaigns to cover ongoing operational expenses.
2. Forge more partnerships with local businesses and organizations to secure in-kind donations, financial and volunteer support.