Loma Linda University Health at the Highland Springs Medical Plaza partnered with Side by Side Humanitarian Food Bank, Beaver Medical Group, Redlands Community Hospital, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital to distribute food to the community

On Friday, November 18, 650 pre-registered, underserved families in the Beaumont/Banning/Cherry Valley area received groceries at a food distribution event at the Highland Springs Medical Plaza.  Loma Linda University Health, Redlands Community Hospital, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital and Beaver Medical Group partnered with Side by Side Humanitarian Food Bank to provide holiday food and fresh produce, as well as staples, such as cereal, soup and bread.

Food vouchers were distributed to families though local shelters, community centers, and churches. This food distribution event is an annual event, currently in its fifth year.

Maria Garcia, Project Manager, Loma Linda University Health said, “We believe this event is extremely important to underserved families our community.  Those that have volunteered in prior years have shared how blessed they were by giving back and helping those in need.”

In the last four years, the number of families served at this event has steadily increased.  In 2011, the first year of the event, 300 families received food for the holiday. Last year, 583 families were served.

Highland Springs Medical Plaza, a collaboration between Loma Linda University Health, Redlands Community Hospital, San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital and Beaver Medical Group, is located at 81 S. Highland Springs Avenue in Beaumont.