COVID-19 Update -
Helping Our Neighbors in Need

Food Bank Operations Update

The Rhode Island Community Food Bank and its member agencies continue to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency, distributing food to neighbors in need throughout the state.

We know that member agencies are seeing many more people seeking food assistance, in some cases double the amount.

As one example, the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center in Newport reported serving 1,018 people between March 16-25. That number represents approximately a quarter of the people served there during all of 2019.

Voices of People in Need
Many of the guests visiting food pantries have never done so before. Up until recently, these new visitors were employed and suddenly find themselves in need of food assistance.

Here are just a few quotes from people needing food assistance:

“I’m running out of food to eat to hold me until I get my SNAP benefits. I’m trying to ration out what little I have right now, so I can at least have something to eat.”
Pawtucket

“I am a mother of 2 teenage girls working in direct care with COVID-19 patients. I am struggling financially until my next pay period (this Friday) and running low on groceries. How can I get help?”
Providence

“I have 2 school aged children and was wondering how to go about getting the meals4kids boxes.”
Location Unknown

“I am very sick and quarantined. I have two kids and a husband and we are all quarantined. We need help with food.”
Johnston

“I just got laid off due to coronavirus. I am an international student here and I have no family members. I have no income as well. How can I receive some food?”
Providence

For anyone in need of food assistance, we direct them to the Find Food page on our website, which we update regularly to ensure that everyone in our community knows exactly where they can access food resources. Or they can call 2-1-1, the 24-hour resource guide managed by the United Way of Rhode Island.

Healthy Habits Recipes

Did you know our website contains recipes for you to try at home from our Healthy Habits nutrition education program?

These recipes are shared with our member agencies so that guests can prepare healthy meals on a limited budget.

Many of the ingredients are pantry staples you might already have at home.

Visit our website to check out some inexpensive and delicious options that will be a hit with the whole family.

Donate Funds Day
On Friday, WPRI Channel 12 is holding a fundraising day for the Food Bank, asking viewers to donate funds to support our work. Tune in to the morning news and the Rhode Show to learn how you can help.