Riverside volunteers consistently impress us with their dedication and care. About six months ago, as we discussed the growing food access issues many of our program participants face, one volunteer took action. In coordination with Riverside staff, she launched the Riverside Food Program. This initiative is designed to ensure that everyone in the Riverside community has access to nutritious, wholesome food. A crucial aspect of this program is mobilizing other volunteers in a multi-pronged approach to secure food.

Activities include:

Identifying potential vendors with surplus food to donate.
Conducting outreach to food pantries and other non-profit organizations focused on food security and nutrition.
Preparing donated food for participant lunches.
Making substantial food donations to those in need within the community.

The program has already made a huge difference, allowing Riverside to introduce fresh foods in the lunches it provides and expand the number of participants who benefit. We are grateful for this committed and hardworking group of volunteers!