Providence St. Mary Medical Center joins community partners to tackle food insecurity 

Access to healthy foods is a nationwide issue and is especially challenging for residents in San Bernadino’s High Desert. Characterized by high poverty rates and limited fresh food availability, this region is referred to as a "food desert." 

Home to the largest number of food deserts within the county, the High Desert claims 19 of 32 locations, according to San Bernardino County's data from 2017. 

In its latest data from 2019, the county reported a higher level of food insecurity compared to state and national averages in the Riverside-San Bernardino metro region, with more than 13% of residents classified as being food insecure. 

To help residents access healthy foods, Providence St. Mary Medical Center has partnered with San Bernardino County's CalFresh Healthy Living Nutrition Education Program, and other primary care providers, to assist individuals facing food insecurity at the Symba Center, in the Victorville Wellness Center. 

The program aims to screen those who are underserved, providing them with nutrition education and free on-site nutritional classes. In 2023 alone, the program provided educational support to 638 High Desert residents. 

“This partnership allows us to screen individuals for food insecurity during their medical visits,” said Shawn R. Smith, PharmD, co-founder and chief executive officer at the Symba Center. “We can provide comprehensive nutrition education and guide them towards resources like food pantries. Additionally, we offer free, on-site nutritional classes — teaching individuals how to cook nutritious meals that are budget friendly.”