REDLANDS, Calif. — As many local families face growing financial strain following cuts to federal food assistance programs, the Family Service Association of Redlands (FSA) is gearing up for its annual Fall Food Drive on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Why it matters: The Fall Food Drive comes at a crucial time for many Inland Empire residents. Following cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and a prolonged government shutdown, more households are turning to local nonprofits for help.
“As of the end of September, we served over 20,000 meals through our breakfast program,” Kyra Stewart, executive director of the Family Service Association of Redlands (FSA) told Community Forward. “Last year for the entire year we served 22,000.”
She added that FSA has also seen sharp increases in demand for emergency rental assistance and other basic needs. “Everyone we serve is below or slightly above federal poverty guidelines and either unhoused or already homeless, so they are barely hanging on as it is. And now with the government shut down, we anticipate a way worse environment than before.”
Government shutdown stalls SNAP
According to the California Department of Social Services, more than 460,000 residents in San Bernardino County receive SNAP, also known as CalFresh, benefits. This makes up around 20 percent of the population. Locally, children make up 61% of CalFresh participants, while adults ages 18–64 account for 27 percent, according to the county’s Indicators Dashboard.
And now with the government shut down, we anticipate a way worse environment than before.
As of Nov. 1, thousands of families across California found no balance on their SNAP cards as the federal shutdown delayed funding for the program. After two federal judges ordered the SNAP payments to continue using contingency funds, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it would release about $4.65 billion—enough to cover only about half of the usual monthly benefit amount.
State officials said the partial funding will not meet the needs of California households. “We are deeply concerned that millions of Californians may not receive the full nutrition assistance they rely on,” the California Department of Social Services said in a Nov. 1 statement, urging residents to seek help through local food banks and community organizations such as the Family Service Association of Redlands.
At the local level, the Redlands City Council recently voted to explore options for addressing food insecurity through partnerships and community programs, a move aimed at strengthening the city’s support network for low-income residents.
A safety net for local families
Founded in 1898, the Family Service Association of Redlands provides food, housing, and support services for vulnerable households across Redlands, Yucaipa, Highland, Grand Terrace, Loma Linda, Mentone, and San Bernardino—specifically families with children under 18 and elderly or disabled residents on fixed incomes.
Stewart said her team remains committed to doing what they can with the resources available.
Just last week, FSA put out a Call to Action asking for emergency donations. As a result, they are now going to be able to serve 500 families who need help over the months to come.
“Moments like these are the exact reason Family Service is here,” she said. “We are a safety net for struggling families and the elderly.”
Fall Food Drive Details
The annual food drive is held at FSA (612 Lawton St., Redlands) in partnership with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Residents are invited to volunteer, donate and help stock FSA’s food pantry for the year ahead. Volunteers will weigh, label, organize and shelve thousands of pounds of donated food, all of which goes directly back into the community.
“Our goal every year for the food drive is to collect 30,000 pounds of food,” Stewart said. “For years now we have either almost met, met or fell just slightly below that goal, but I know times are different this year and people are holding on to whatever is in their pantry, so it will be interesting to see the outcome this year.
How to help: Residents can support the food drive by donating non-perishable food or volunteering on Nov. 15. Those who bring five or more food items will be entered into a raffle, with prizes awarded throughout the day.
FSA’s most-needed items include:
Cereal, oatmeal, and peanut butter
Soups
Protein bars
Tuna fish
For a more detailed list of FSA’s food pantry needs, click here.
Volunteers are encouraged to wear casual clothes and closed-toe shoes. Parking is available along Lawton Street and W. Stuart Avenue, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.
Kathryne is a journalist and creative writer who has contributed to CFR since 2023. When she isn't reporting, she can be found curled up with a thick fantasy book.
