Strategic Plan 2006-2010

"To build a system of food security for all Rhode Islanders - one that recognizes the dignity of all people and the essential right to food"

Our vision is one of a hunger-free state, where people in need have adequate access to food through government nutrition assistance programs and community food resources, including our network of neighborhood food pantries, meal sites, shelters, group homes and day care centers, etc.  All members of our network will foster mutual trust, respect, and the spirit of cooperation to take collective action, with a unity of purpose, to end hunger and food insecurity in our state.

The overarching 5-year goal is to significantly reduce hunger in Rhode Island. The Rhode Island Community Food Bank will do this by achieving the following three strategic goals:

• To create a unified Food Bank network, comprised of the Food Bank and its Member Agencies, capable of providing quality food assistance to more Rhode Islanders in need while acting as a catalyst in the movement to end hunger.

• Grow and maintain the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s organizational, human resource and financial capacity in order to have a greater impact in the fight against hunger and food insecurity.

• Strengthen Rhode Island’s anti-hunger movement to have a positive impact on major public policy decisions and programs.

Given the vision, mission and goals of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank for 2006 through 2010, there are four integrated strategic objectives, which, in combination with specific major activities for implementation, will advance the Food Bank in achieving its goals to end hunger in Rhode Island. These are summarized as follows:

Strategic Objective 1. Support Member Agency Development: Support member agency’s efforts and assist in building capacity where needed (including equipment, logistics, funds development and management) to: a) improve Basic Agreement compliance and reward excellence; b) provide more quality food to more people in need; c) facilitate enrollment of eligible people into the food stamp program; and, d) actively participate in campaigns fighting hunger and poverty.

Strategic Objective 2. Expand Food Supply and Distribution: Expand and develop food procurement, food reprocessing & meal production, and food distribution efforts through our member agency network and directly to the community as needed.

Strategic Objective 3. Strengthen and Manage Food Bank’s Organizational Capacity: Grow and maintain the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s organizational, human resource and financial capacity to develop and sustain Food Bank programs to achieve strategic objectives and five-year goals in furtherance of the mission.

Strategic Objective 4. Strengthen the Movement to End Hunger: Build a stronger movement to end hunger in Rhode Island by: a) organizing a unified member agency network with a strong voice and a common vision; b) growing community, business, philanthropic and political support; and, c) strengthening collaboration with other anti-poverty groups and coalitions working in our state.

To read the full text of the strategic plan, including measurable outcomes Click Here.