Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino helped thousands of families this holiday season through its drive-through food distributions and other events. The drive-through distributions, held on Nov. 22 and Dec. 13, provided local households with a whole turkey or ham, while also connecting families in need to Feeding America’s network of community partners. “Every year, our goal is to gather enough resources to bring holiday meals to local families and support our community partners,” Carolyn Fajardo, chief executive officer of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, said in a news release. “However, we’re facing growing challenges as food and monetary donations continue to decline, making it increasingly difficult to meet the rising need.” This year, Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino distributed 5,000 turkeys in November and nearly 6,300 turkeys and hams in December, which were distributed to community members through their Community Partner network, according to the news release. Partners such as Rolling Start Inc., Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12, Hub City Church and the Inland Vineyard Christian Fellowship each hosted their own turkey and ham distributions, helping to provide holiday meals for Inland Empire families. At Feeding America’s warehouse in Riverside, 300 turkeys were distributed at the November drive-through event and nearly 300 hams in December, according to the news release. Families registered online to reserve a spot and were greeted at the events by board members, staff and volunteers who loaded the items into their vehicles. Those who need assistance or who know someone who does may go to feedingamericaie.org/get-help to find the nearest food pantry.