Food Pantry Offers Support Amid SNAP Benefit Disruption

Food Pantry Offers Support Amid SNAP Benefit Disruption

As the federal government shutdown continues, many families are feeling the effects of the lapse in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). For countless households, these benefits help put food on the table — and when that support is interrupted, local food resources become more critical than ever.

CSA’s Food Pantry remains open to anyone in need of food assistance during this difficult time. We provide nutritious groceries, fresh produce, and essential pantry staples to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

“No one in our community should go hungry,” said Nayeli Peña-Quiroz, Community Center Manager. “We know that times like these can be stressful, and we want residents to know that help is available.”

DONATE FOOD: Non-perishable  food such as canned vegetables and fruits, soups, rice, beans, pasta, and  cereal.  Donations accepted | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 9a-2p

HOST A FOOD DRIVE: Local businesses, schools, or community groups can organize food drives to help sustain our pantry shelves through this challenging period. Call (951) 686-6266 to coordinate.

VOLUNTEER: Volunteers help sort, package, and distribute food to individuals and families. Volunteer Monday and Wednesday | 10a-1p. Call (951) 686-6266 x 102 to sign up.

MAKE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION: Monetary donations help us purchase fresh food and restock essential items. Donate at csariverside.org/donate.

The Food Pantry is open

Monday and Wednesday | 11a – 12p

Produce Distribution

1st and 3rd Thursday | 9a – 11a

Special Produce Distributions

11/12, 11/26, 12/10  | 8a – 10a

*Pre-registration is normally required, but will be waived for the remainder of the year

Additional Food Resources

Find Food Banks

Feeding America

Celebrating 25 Years Cancer-Free

Riverside Community Health Foundation is proud to announce the return of Pink on Parade, our 14th annual breast cancer awareness walk at 7:30 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Ryan Bonaminio Park. The goal of Pink on Parade is two-fold: to raise awareness of breast cancer within our community and to raise funds for The Pink Ribbon Place, our local cancer resource center, which provides wigs, breast prostheses, exercise classes, education, and counseling services at no cost to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Pink on Parade is so much more than a walk; it’s a time for the community to show their support for their sisters, daughters, mothers, and neighbors. Through this cherished event, the community comes together to support our loved ones fighting cancer, celebrate our survivors, and honor those we’ve lost. Every step on Mt. Rubidoux tells a story of hope in the face of adversity—including the inspiring journey of Bertha Sandoval.

When Bertha Sandoval was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2000, she remembers the fear, the uncertainty, and the long hours of treatment that seemed never-ending. “There were nights when I thought I wouldn’t have the strength to go on,” she recalls. Just three weeks after her diagnosis, Bertha underwent a mastectomy on September 11—a date that has since become her annual celebration of life. In 2003, cancer returned in her bones and lungs, forcing her to fight once more. But through every challenge, Bertha leaned on her faith in God, the love of her family, and the support of women who had walked the same path.

“Cancer taught me to value the little things—a smile, a hug, the chance to open my eyes each morning,” she says. “It transformed me and helped me discover a strength I didn’t know I had.” Now, 25 years later, Bertha is cancer-free and dedicates her time to volunteering at The Pink Ribbon Place, Riverside’s cancer resource center. There, she listens, comforts, and uplifts women who are just beginning their own journeys.

“At Pink Ribbon, I feel understood. It’s a space of strength, support, and celebration of life,” Bertha shares. “Being involved gives me the opportunity to bring hope to others and remind them that they are not alone.”

As she prepares to walk at Pink on Parade this year, Bertha offers this message to others facing cancer: “Dear sisters, the road is not always easy, but there is strength, hope, and the opportunity to be reborn each day. Never lose faith in God or in yourselves. Every day is a gift.” This October, walk with Bertha and hundreds of others as we celebrate strength, hope, and resilience.   REGISTER TODAY! Visit pinkonparade.org to sign up.

Board Chair Letter for Community Partners

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

TO: RCHF Community Partners and Interest Holders

RE: RCHF Leadership Transitions

DATE: July 24, 2025

Dear Community Partners,

Dr. Shené Bowie-Hussey has stepped down from her position as President and CEO of Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) effective July 21, 2025. The Board of Directors has expressed its thanks to her for her leadership and dedicated service during her tenure. RCHF Vice President of Operations and COO Ninfa Delgado will continue as the Acting President and CEO of the organization. Please join me and the other members of the RCHF Board of Directors, to continue our work with Mrs. Delgado and the rest of the leadership team during this transition. It is with a sustained focus on the mission and our desire to improve the health and well-being of our community that we unite our efforts for those we serve.

Very Truly Yours,

Karl J. McCleary, PhD, MPH, BSP

Chairperson

Board of Directors

Riverside Community Health Foundation

2025 Youth Advisor Annual Celebration

The Youth Advisors wrapped up a successful grant cycle (July 2024 – June 2025) with their second annual Youth Annual Celebration, hosted at the Riverside Community Health Foundation. What’s usually a standard office space was transformed into a vibrant summer wonderland, thanks to the creativity and teamwork of staff and youth.

The event honored the dedication, growth, and achievements of the Youth Advisors, while also recognizing the vital support of parents and community members. Special guest speaker Ingrid Butler inspired attendees with powerful stories of resilience and overcoming adversity—reminding youth of their strength and potential.

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS

YOUTH RECOGNITION AWARDS
Framed Certificates (1–39 hours completed):
Isabel, Renata, Henry, Aubrianna
Acrylic Awards (40+ hours completed):
Geraldine, Kayla, Karime, Xavier, Jamie
Clock-in Champ (Most Hours Completed):
Wendy

UNIQUE AWARDS
Next Gen Lead (Leadership): Karime
Goal Getter (Achievement): Geraldine
Rising Star (Empowerment): Kayla
Youth Choice Award: Wendy
Parent Choice Award: Rafaela Sanchez (Kayla’s mom)

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Dr. Stacy Songco Service Award: Briana Chapman (from Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest)
For outstanding contributions to the FACTS program in areas such as parent engagement, youth education, youth development, or staff development.

The celebration was a joyful reflection of the hard work and heart each youth brought to the program this year. Here’s to another year of growth, leadership, and impact!

RCHF Honored with WRCOG Community Award

Riverside, Calif., June 23, 2025 — Riverside Community Health Foundation (RCHF) received the prestigious Community Service Award at the 34th General Assembly and Leadership Address hosted by the Western Riverside Council of Governments on June 12, 2025, at the Pechenga Resort Casino in Temecula.

RCHF was recognized for its outstanding leadership and significant contributions to advancing youth health and wellness in the City of Riverside. One of the notable achievements highlighted was the collaborative effort on May 11, 2024, when over 100 fourth-grade students at Longfellow Elementary School received free bicycles and helmets.

RCHF’s leadership and the dedication of team members like Senior Health Educator, Miguel Lujano, helped make this initiative a joyful and impactful experience for students and families alike.

“Through the Bikes for All Community Improvement Project, the Residents of Eastside Active in Leadership and Healthy Living Project Youth Group empowered students and families to choose biking and walking over driving, improving health through active movement and cutting emissions. With support from local schools, the City of Riverside, CHP, and Pedal Power, over 87% of the families surveyed noted that they would switch from cars to bikes and walking” said Lujano. “Over time this shift will reduce hundreds of daily car trips, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing community well-being. We are grateful to our partners for their support in promoting health and wellness in our community and for the honor of being recognized by WRCOG.”

WRCOG honors Riverside Community Health Foundation for its commitment to the community and looks forward to continued collaboration on future initiatives.