Highlander
Pantry – Archive /The Highlander
On Feb. 5, the city of Riverside officially established the first of 26 community pantries throughout the city, all committed to combating food insecurity. This initiative is formally known as the Little Free Pantry program and is a collaborative effort between the city of Riverside, Inland Empire Health Plan and the Riverside Mutual Aid Network.Â
Now, the city of Riverside received about $28 million through the CARES Act, legislation dedicated to helping citizens navigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately $13 million of these funds were allocated to supporting families with children through child care and food assistance. Thus, the Little Free Pantry program was created as a part of this effort. âThe program has received such great interest and positive feedback that we are now looking into funding sources to continue this program as part of our existing Neighborhood Programs,â Josaline Cuesta, City