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The shutdown, “reminds
us that the safety net for a contingency in this state is our Food Bank and
food pantry programs… I always encourage people to ensure that those local
organizations and of course the Rhode Island Community Food Bank have the
resources that they need, so that in a crisis we can call on them to help us.”
Courtney
Hawkins, Director
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Rhode Island Department of Human Services
Government Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance Safety Net
With the government shutdown continuing indefinitely, the
Rhode Island Community Food Bank is asking the public for assistance to
ensure that they have enough food to meet the increasing demand.
Of particular concern is the shutdown’s impact on SNAP benefits,
the primary source of food assistance for approximately 157,000 Rhode
Islanders. The next round of benefits will be distributed early, on January
20 instead of February 1, which means funds may run short for many families
in February. After that, there are no guarantees that there will be benefits
for March should the shutdown continue.
“We’re concerned that many more families will start visiting
our pantries and meal sites beginning in February as they begin to run out of
food,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “Although we hope the shutdown ends
soon, we need to be prepared to respond should it continue indefinitely.”
In addition, government employees who have been furloughed and
are not receiving a paycheck may also seek food assistance through the Food
Bank’s network of 158 agencies located throughout the state.
“We want to be prepared to provide food to anyone in need in
Rhode Island, no matter what the reason, and no matter how long this crisis
continues” said Schiff, “so we are asking our friends and neighbors to donate
funds so that we can acquire enough food to help ensure that no one goes
hungry.”
To make a donation or to find other ways to get involved,
visit www.rifoodbank.org.
© 2018 Rhode Island Community Food Bank
200 Niantic Avenue
Providence, RI 02907
Phone: (401) 942‑MEAL (6325)
Email: [contactus@rifoodbank.org]