With food prices soaring in the Inland Empire, here are resources to help those in need

Across the Inland Empire, many are feeling the pinch of inflation and can’t keep up with the rising costs of food.

Even before inflation hit, the two-county region was one where many are considered food insecure, defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as unable to put adequate healthy food on the table at times for all members of a household.

In 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, more than 13% of San Bernardino and Riverside county residents were considered food insecure.

Some also live in parts of the region known as food deserts, communities where people live more than 1 mile from a supermarket in urban areas, or more than 10 miles in rural areas.

In Riverside and San Bernardino counties this past July, the inflation rate reached 9.2%, the second highest in the nation. Prices at grocery stores have soared as well, with essential items such as bread and eggs going for 18.5% and 11.2% more, respectively, than last year year.

For families and individuals looking for help putting food on the table, here’s a select list of resources.

San Bernardino County

Bloomington

Vida Life Ministries: Family food distributions take place 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. every Saturday at 11608 Cedar Ave. Registration is required. Information: vidalifeministries.org

Olive Branch Development and Empowerment Services: Food distributions take place every Thursday by appointment. Information: 909-572-4348.

Joshua Tree

FIND Mobile Market: Food distributions take place at Copper Mountain College 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of every at 6162 Rotary Way. No registration is required.

Riverside County

Hemet

Valley Community Pantry: The pantry is open 9:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday at 191 S. Columbia St. Registration is required. Information: vcpcares.org/get-help

Riverside 

Central Community Christian Fellowship: Food distributions are 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at 5623 Arlington Ave. No registration is needed. Information: centralcommunity.com

Anza

Anza Baptist Church Community Food Pantry: The pantry is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 39200 Rolling Hills Road. Information: 951-763-4937