FANFood Assistance Network

For Riverside County Families

What is FAN?

FAN is an acronym forFood Assistance Network.

It is a specialized program designed toimprove family access to healthy foods, nutrition

education, and physical activities practices.

FAN on Assignment ~ Mecca, CAMecca is the second most impoverish city nation wide.In May of each year the population swells from 5,000 to 30,000 due to the grape harvest season.82% of all children rely on the school lunch program to eat during Monday through Friday. Many children do not eat on the weekends.

FAN on Assignment ~ Mecca, CA

FAN on Assignment ~ Mecca, CA

Hidden Harvest, in Coachella Valley, is a food assistance, non-profit organization that is feeding 5,000 people each month.

Compassion is Love in Action

Getting Into Their World

FAN’s Food SecurityAdvisory Board Established 2001

The Advisory Board is a team of Non-profit organizations. Together and individually playing an active roll in ridding hunger from Riverside County.

Much of what FAN is today is a result of this collaboration.

What can FAN do for you?Food Access Via FAN’s Toll Free Number Food assistance referral and resource program through our toll free phone number.

Nutrition Education Tool Kits Tool Kits for food security sites and families with children up to the age of five.

Nutrition Training Nutrition education workshops for food security, staff, volunteers and participants.

Food Assistance and Referral Program Call toll-free 1-800-455-4942 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Monday - Friday

Free service to the residents of Riverside County.

Give general information on the nearest food security site.

Bilingual operators.

Nutrition Education Tool Kit10 sections that focus on nutrition education to choose from within the tool kit.

These sections include Referrals and Resources, Pregnancy, Breast Feeding, Infant Feeding, Child Feeding, Physical Activity, Recipes,

General Nutrition, Professional

Resources and Order Form.

Designed for pregnant women

and children up to 5 years of age. Nutrition

Education

Nutrition Education Workshops

The workshops that are presented will focus on cooking demonstrations, food safety, general nutrition, bargain shopping, reading food labels and eating healthy with the use of the food guide pyramid.

The workshops are presented by Registered Dietitians & Health Education Specialists

Who is eligible for FAN?

Pregnant womenFamilies with children up to age five.

Why FAN is important to the community?

Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity puts children at a greater risk for not reaching their full potential.Childhood obesity rates have doubled since 1980.Well-nourished children do better in school.

Why FAN is important to the community?

Good nutrition during pregnancy and infancy can reduce the incidence of iron deficiency, anemia, and obesity.Exercise can encourage stronger family dynamics, healthy weight, and prevention of chronic disease.A well balanced diet in the

early stages of life can assist to minimize the chance of chronic illnesses in the later years.

A healthy community is a stronger community.

Can FAN Assist Financially?In 2003 FAN was granted $150,000 for distribution to food assistance sites within Riverside CountyTwenty one food security sights were selected to distribute $25 food gift cards within their communities. These gift cards were redeemable at local Stater Brothers Markets.

Our Goal – Healthy Children in Riverside County

County of Riverside Community Health Agency

Department of Public Health