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COVID-19 Update
Reminder: Live
Video Town Hall Tomorrow
 This Friday at 9 am, join us for a Live Video Town Hall
where you can learn more about the work of the Food Bank during the
COVID-19 public health emergency. CEO Andrew Schiff will be joined
by Heather Hole Strout, Executive Director of the Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Community Center in Newport, to talk about the ways we’re responding
to the increased demand for food.
Advanced registration is required. Click here to
sign up.
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Meeting the Need in Central
Falls
 Wednesdays at the Progreso Latino food pantry are a hub
of activity. That’s when their weekly food distribution serves hundreds
of people from the city of Central Falls, an area hard hit by the
COVID-19 public health emergency.
A half hour before the doors open, the parking lot comes alive with
people walking, parking and getting in line to receive food assistance.
Guests range in ages from small children to seniors - who are served
first to limit their exposure to large crowds and COVID-19.
 One senior, Humberto, who receives food at the pantry,
shared his experience and how things have changed for him during the
pandemic. He spoke very openly with the staff at the pantry and it was
clear that they built a close relationship over time.
“I get everything they give out here, all the food. And even when I
can’t come, Helen [a staff member] is able to bring it to my house and
it’s a big help for me. I live here in Central Falls. I’m always very
grateful because it’s really good food. Just being closed off has been
the hardest part. I’m very, very grateful.”
Distributing
Food and Much More
The RI Community Food Bank has been delivering much larger donations
than usual to this location, as the volume of guests has greatly
changed. Progreso staff member, Jack, shared: “We used
to see 15 families [come to our food pantry], now we are
reaching up to 300.”
On this day, guests received boxes of fresh, local produce
packaged by Farm Fresh RI as part of the USDA Farmers to Families
program, which is meant to help farmers and distribute fresh food
to families in need during the pandemic. Guests also received
staples like pasta, beans and rice.
 Additionally,
there was onsite testing for COVID-19, sponsored by a local pediatric
practice.
Dominga, the food pantry coordinator, pictured right, said that it is
critical that all people know they are welcome at the pantry,
especially for something as important as testing.
“Sometimes they are concerned about getting tests done because of their
immigration status. It's their choice whether they want to get tested
or not, but we make it easy for them to feel comfortable.”
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