Kids Page

Thanks for visiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's Kids Page!   The Food Bank helps people who don’t have much money by giving them food when they need it.  We're glad to know that you're interested in learning how hunger affects children in your own state, your city or town or even in your neighborhood.

There are things that you can do to get involved and help the Food Bank feed hungry Rhode Islanders. Please keep reading for some cool ideas on how YOU can help.

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Nothing Can End Hunger

When most of us want food, we go to the grocery store and buy it. But for many Rhode Islanders, that simply isn't an option. They come home to bare cabinets and empty refrigerators - kitchens filled with nothing.

We wanted to find something that might help the rest of us - in some small way - to understand what that feels like.  So we decided to package that Nothing the same way we're used to seeing foods: canned and on the shelf at the grocery store. But these cans are more than just a symbol - purchasing a can of Nothing means putting food on a hungry neighbor's table.  And at the top of the can is a slot for collecting spare change to give back to the Food Bank.

Learn more by visiting www.nothing.org.

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Kid's Activities that Help the Food Bank

Lemonade Stand
A lemonade stand is the perfect way for you to help the hungry in Rhode Island.  Sell some refreshing lemonade and donate the money you earn to the Food Bank.  We will turn your money into nutritious food for those who need it. Download a Food Bank Lemonade sign to help get you started.

Bake Sale
Love to bake?  Hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to the Food Bank.  Satisfy someone’s sweet tooth and provide much needed meals for Rhode Islanders in need of food assistance. You can make a difference! Get your Bake Sale sign here.

Plant an Extra Row
The Food Bank can always use fresh produce.  If your family is planning a garden this year, consider planting an extra row and sharing your harvest with a neighbor in need.

Do a Food Drive
It’s easy to do a food drive!  The Food Bank has posters and food drive bins to help you make your food drive a success.  Ask your school or religious organization if they can help you promote your drive, get your neighbors involved or next time you have a birthday party, ask your guests to bring food items – be creative!  Check out our list of our most-needed items.  If you would like posters or food drive bins, email Bruce Zarembka.

Volunteer at a Community Farm
You have to be at least 14 years old to volunteer at the Food Bank, but the Community Farms can use volunteers of all ages.  Even if you don’t have a green thumb, if you are willing to get your hands in the dirt, the farms need you!   Contact the farms directly to sign up.  Read all about our Community Farms here.

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Raising the Bar on Nutrition... for Kids!

As a graduation project, an 8th grader at LaSalle Academy has taken all the recipes from our nutrition education program, Raising the Bar on Nutrition, and turned them into a cookbook especially for kids. All the recipes have been re-written so that a grade-school aged child can follow them.  Additionally, each recipe contains at least two servings of vegetables. You'll be surprised at how delicious vegetables taste when they are cooked in olive oil!

Download the cookbook here.